'When Kids Get Into Cricket...': 'Proud' Mhatre Senior Hopes Ayush Continues Fabled Indian U19 World Cup Tradition

The Indian U19 Men’s Cricket Team take on their English counterparts in the final of the ICC U19 World Cup in Harare, Zimbabwe on Friday. The five-time champions, India, take on former winner England for the biggest prize in the age category.

Indian skipper Ayush Mhatre will look to continue the fine tradition set by his predecessors at the age-category showpiece and bring the title home.

Ahead of the final, Ayush’s father, Yogesh Mhatre, expressed his pride in his son and the young unit for making it to the final and wished the side the very best for the summit clash against the English.

“As a father, I am very proud as this World Cup is the focus of the entire nation, and my son is leading the side. It makes me swell with pride and I hope the boys

add to it with the title,” Mhatre senior began.

Ayush father recalled the young batter’s dedication to the sport since formative years, and resounded the family’s support of the fledgling captain.

“There was no question of his hard work, his focus and his thirst for cricketing knowledge. That iterated that he would go on to make something of himself in this game,” he added.

“And we support him to do the best he can in whatever he does. Irrespective of the results, we want him to focus on his passion. Brilliant if the efforts succeed, but even otherwise, he has our backing and support. And he managed to strike a balance between his academics and the passion for cricket,” Yogesh continued.

“When kids get into cricket, they have the dream of playing such games. And he was taking measures towards the it. So I believe that dream is going to come true.”

“He has been working hard and has been very dedicated in his efforts and I am glad that he has got the platform as a reward for his struggles,” he added.

Ayush’s father noted the collective effort in the young side’s run to the championship game and urged the unit to power on and stick to their methods, which have worked wonders for them.

“We believe in the entire team and if you look at a patterns, it has been a matter of the collective chipping in for one another. And we hope everybody’s contribution helps us bring the World Cup home,” Mhatre said.

“Whatever he has been doing, keep on with it and stay positive. He is also responsible for the team and I believe he will lead with calm. Just stay positive and the result will be a good one,” he added.

“He is with Mahi sir at CSK, and he his efforts to strive for success in the recent tours and the ongoing World Cup are commendabe, and I’d advice him to stick to it. The approach we have adapted all this while at the event, we just need to replicate in the final.”

“The team has been playing incredibly well, and I hope the boys bring the U19 cup home,” he concluded.