Ayush Mhatre, a young batsman from Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has shared insights into how legendary cricketer MS Dhoni’s guidance played a crucial role in his leadership during the recent U-19 World Cup. The advice reportedly helped Mhatre during his time as captain of India’s U-19 team, particularly during the tournament.

In a video featured by the Indian Premier League on April 14, 2026, Mhatre spoke about the significant impact of Dhoni’s mentorship during the IPL 2025 season. The 18-year-old noted that his interactions with Dhoni were essential for his development as a leader, especially as he approached the pressures of captaincy.

Before stepping into his role with the U-19 team, Mhatre had the opportunity to engage with Dhoni at the CSK camp, where he sought advice on managing the stress and responsibilities that come with being a captain. He recounted his discussions with Dhoni regarding maintaining composure and making judicious decisions during challenging moments.

Mhatre Implements Dhoni’s Calm Approach

Mhatre’s performance during the U-19 World Cup is reflective of the ‘stay calm’ mantra he adopted from Dhoni. Under his leadership, India clinched a record-extending sixth U-19 World Cup title, securing a commanding victory by 100 runs against England in the final on February 6, 2026. His capability to maintain focus and execute under pressure was demonstrated in crucial matches.

In the semi-finals, Mhatre played a pivotal role, scoring 62 runs during a challenging chase against Afghanistan, while in the final, he contributed a vital 53 runs, supporting Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s remarkable innings of 175 runs. His all-round skills were evident, as he also took seven wickets throughout the tournament, with an impressive bowling average of 12.42.

Throughout the championship, Mhatre’s leadership proved effective, ensuring that the Indian team remained unbeaten in matches held across Zimbabwe and Namibia. This resilient display mirrors the tactical clarity associated with Dhoni’s captaincy, reinforcing the lessons Mhatre took from their conversations.

Dhoni’s Continued Role in CSK

While Mhatre’s exploits have drawn attention, MS Dhoni continues to play a significant role within the Chennai Super Kings organisation. Although he has been sidelined due to injury and has not participated on the field during the ongoing IPL season, his influence remains strong as he mentors younger players.

Despite CSK facing challenges early in the tournament, with only one victory in four matches, Dhoni’s presence off the field is still felt by the team. Fans are eagerly anticipating his potential return to action, as they hope for an upturn in the team’s fortunes with his leadership close at hand.

As Mhatre and his teammates look to build on their success in the U-19 World Cup, the mentorship of figures like Dhoni is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian cricket. The relationship between seasoned professionals and emerging talents is crucial for the ongoing development of the sport in the country.

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