In the ever-evolving world of cricket, a new prodigy has emerged from the city of Mumbai, shattering a record that stood for nearly two decades. At a mere 18 years and 135 days old, Ayush Mhatre has become the youngest cricketer in history to score centuries across all three professional formats: first-class, List A, and T20. This monumental achievement doesn’t just mark a personal milestone; it signals a seismic shift in the landscape of Indian cricket, with a superstar in the making.
Table of Contents
- A Record for the Ages
- The Innings That Made History
- Surpassing the Hitman: Rohit Sharma
- CSK Bets Big on the Future
- Leading the Next Generation
- Ayush Mhatre: What’s Next?
- Conclusion
- Sources
A Record for the Ages
The feat of scoring a century in the demanding environment of first-class cricket, the strategic battle of List A, and the high-octane chaos of T20s is a rare one. It requires a unique blend of temperament, technique, and raw power. Before November 2025, the youngest to achieve this trifecta was the legendary Rohit Sharma. Now, that mantle has been passed to Ayush Mhatre, a name that is now permanently etched in the annals of the sport . This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a testament to a generational talent.
The Innings That Made History
The final piece of Mhatre’s historic puzzle was his breathtaking knock in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Facing Vidarbha, the young opener unleashed a terrifying display of clean, powerful hitting. He remained unbeaten on 110, a score he reached in just 53 balls, laced with 8 sixes and a strike rate soaring past 200 . This wasn’t just a century; it was a statement of intent. He single-handedly guided Mumbai to a comfortable seven-wicket victory, chasing down a target of 193 with ease .
Surpassing the Hitman: Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma’s record was no small hurdle. The ‘Hitman’ had held the title of the youngest all-format centurion since he was 19 years and 339 days old—a record that had stood unchallenged for 19 years . Mhatre, however, has now smashed that benchmark, achieving the same milestone a full year and 204 days earlier . This isn’t just about breaking a number; it’s about a young star stepping out of the shadow of a giant and declaring his own arrival on the grandest stage.
CSK Bets Big on the Future
Chennai Super Kings, a franchise renowned for its keen eye for young talent, have taken a giant leap of faith in Mhatre’s potential. In a major show of confidence, CSK has officially retained the 18-year-old for the upcoming IPL 2026 season . He joins a star-studded lineup that includes the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, and Shivam Dube . This retention is a clear signal that CSK sees Mhatre not just as a future prospect, but as a key part of their immediate plans, potentially even as a long-term opening partner for their captain . His explosive batting style is a perfect fit for the modern T20 game, a crucial asset for any franchise looking to the future.
Leading the Next Generation
Mhatre’s excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed by the national selectors either. His consistent performances across formats have earned him the ultimate honour for a young cricketer: the captaincy of the India U19 team. He has been named the skipper for the upcoming U19 Asia Cup in Dubai, a tournament that has historically been a launchpad for future Indian superstars . This leadership role speaks volumes about his maturity, cricketing brain, and the immense respect he commands from his peers and coaches .
Ayush Mhatre: What’s Next?
The trajectory for Ayush Mhatre is now set on a steep upward curve. With a historic record in his name, a leadership role for his country’s U19 side, and a guaranteed spot in the CSK squad for IPL 2026, the world is his oyster. The next logical steps for such a talent would be a strong showing in the U19 Asia Cup, followed by more consistent performances in India’s domestic circuit. His ultimate goal, of course, will be to follow in the footsteps of the very man whose record he just broke: to represent India in all three formats on the international stage. For fans of the game, and for [INTERNAL_LINK:ipl-young-stars-to-watch], the rise of Ayush Mhatre is a story worth following from its very beginning. To see more about the history of cricket’s youngest stars, you can check out the records on ESPNcricinfo.
Conclusion
Ayush Mhatre’s achievement is more than just a record; it’s a powerful narrative of youthful brilliance, hard work, and a bright future for Indian cricket. By becoming the youngest ever all-format centurion, he has not only broken Rohit Sharma’s long-standing record but has also announced himself as a serious contender for the future of the game. With the backing of a powerhouse franchise like CSK and the responsibility of leading the U19 national team, Mhatre’s journey has only just begun, and it promises to be an electrifying one.
Sources
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/18-year-old-ayush-mhatre-retained-by-csk-for-ipl-2026-sets-all-format-record-becomes-youngest-cricketer-ever-to-/articleshow/125641464.cms
- https://www.espncricinfo.com/