Young India and Chennai Super Kings batter Ayush Mhatre has shared a memorable and inspiring encounter with his idol Rohit Sharma, revealing how a simple message turned into a dream meeting ahead of the India U19 team’s tour of England. Like many aspiring cricketers, Mhatre grew up watching Rohit’s elegance and match-winning ability, shaping his own approach to batting.

Interestingly, despite idolising him, Ayush Mhatre once lost his place in the Ranji Trophy squad to Rohit. However, that moment only added to his admiration rather than discouraging him. Speaking on the Chennai Super Kings YouTube channel, Mhatre opened up about reaching out to Rohit before departing for the England tour, hoping to gain valuable insights.

“So I was about to go on the England tour and I wanted to speak to him a bit. I messaged him,” Ayush Mhatre said. “Then I said I wanted to meet him, so he called me directly. He said, ‘Tell me what you want to say.’”

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What followed was a heartfelt exchange that the youngster still cherishes. “I told him that I am going on this tour and wanted to meet. He asked me, ‘Where do you stay?’ I said Virar,” Ayush Mhatre recalled. “He said, ‘Will you come from Virar to meet me?’ I said yes, I can come anywhere. I just wanted to meet him.”

Despite Rohit offering to connect over a video call, Ayush Mhatre insisted on meeting in person—a decision that made the experience even more special.

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“He said we can also talk on video, but I said no, I want to meet you face-to-face,” he added. “Then he shared his home address, and I went the next day.” The meeting turned out to be nothing short of magical for the young cricketer. “My idol gave me time, so it was a dream day for me,” Mhatre said. “I didn’t even realise how quickly time passed—two hours just flew by. It felt really good talking to him.”

Adding to the unforgettable experience, Rohit Sharma also gifted Mhatre a bat, making it a moment the youngster will carry with him throughout his cricketing journey.