'Play your game, be yourself': Ayush Mhatre reveals Sachin Tendulkar's advice during dream meeting

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: May 20, 2025, 17:30 IST

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Young Ayush Mhatre of Chennai Super Kings recently shared an inspiring moment with cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who advised him to simply "play your game and just be yourself." The 17-year-old, who joined CSK as a replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad, has impressed with 163 runs in five matches, including a notable 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

'Play your game, be yourself': Ayush Mhatre reveals Sachin Tendulkar's advice during dream meeting

Ayush Mhatre with Sachin Tendulkar. (Pic credit: Mahtre's Instagram post)

NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings' teenage sensation Ayush Mhatre shared a heartfelt moment from his recent encounter with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, revealing the simple yet powerful advice the 'God of Cricket' gave him: "Play your game and just be yourself."The 17-year-old opener spoke about the interaction during a CSK practice session ahead of their IPL 2025 league match against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Both teams are out of playoff contention.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!In a video posted by CSK on their social media handles, Mhatre was asked, “What did the ‘God' Sachin bhai say?” Beaming with joy, Mhatre responded, “I can't express my feelings. But he only told me that ‘play your game and just be yourself’.”WATCH:

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Earlier, Mhatre had posted a photo with Tendulkar on social media, captioned: “Some moments are bigger than words. Meeting the God of cricket was indeed a surreal feeling. Thank you @sachintendulkar Sir. Truly blessed!!”

Mhatre joined CSK this season as a replacement for skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and has quickly made a mark. In five matches, he has scored 163 runs at an average of 32.60 and a blistering strike rate of 181.11, including a standout 94 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

IPL 2025: The unsung heroes of India's T20 league

As CSK look to finish their season with pride, Mhatre's meeting with Tendulkar could be the spark that fuels a bright future.

Get IPL 2025 match schedules, squads, points table, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.

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TOI Sports Desk

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