Indian cricket star Suryakumar Yadav lauded Chennai Super Kings' 17-year-old opener Ayush Mhatre after he smashed a 48-ball 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Ayush, who was roped in by CSK as a replacement for injured captain Ruturaj Gaikwad earlier this season, displayed his magnificent stroke-making ability by hitting five sixes and nine fours during CSK's chase against RCB.

The right-handed batter's fireworks in the powerplay laid the foundation of CSK's chase. His willingness to accelerate the scoring rate in a high-scoring match was noticeable as he hit his maiden fifty in the IPL. Ayush became the third youngest to score a half-century in the IPL. However, the MS Dhoni-led side failed to pull off a victory as they fell short of the target by 2 runs.

Impressed by his batting, Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav - who is also India's T20 captain - took to social media to shower praise on the Mumbai teenager.

"Innings filled with intent, bravery and fire! The future is here. Remember the name," Suryakumar posted on X with a picture of Mhatre, who had also earned praise from the Indian T20I captain earlier.

Suryakumar had previously spoken about Ayush's journey as a cricketer. "Ayush, I think, is a very good boy. I've been watching him really closely for the last two years now. And the way he practises, the way he works hard, I think that's a very important aspect in his life. And I really like one thing about him: that he's very honest to the game," Surya had said when MI faced CSK in IPL 2025.

"First for practice, last to leave from the ground. So these things do matter in a cricketer's life. And I know I have seen his journey very closely. Long way to go for him. I have only one message for him. Just be honest to the game. Just enjoy and be yourself. And that is it," added Suryakumar.

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