Mhatre, who recently led India to a title-winning campaign at the U-19 World Cup, recalled his interactions with Dhoni during his time with CSK at the IPL 2025 season, describing them as pivotal to his development as a young leader.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cLast year, I got the opportunity to play under Mahi bhai. I was the captain of the India U19 that time. I spoke to him about captaincy after the IPL, I asked for his advice as it was my first time as a captain. He advised me to stay calm on the ground and never make decisions when angry. He said, 'There will be frustration sometimes due to partnerships by opposition, but if you stay calm for that short period and just breathe and wait for it to pass, you will be able to make good decisions\u2019,\u201d he said in a video shared by IPL on Tuesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The youngster also spoke about fulfilling a long-cherished dream of representing one of the IPL\u2019s most successful franchises, and the surreal feeling of sharing the dressing room with players he once watched on television.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt is a dream to play and represent a big franchise like CSK. And to play for them is a big deal. And so the opportunity to play alongside Mahi (M.S. Dhoni) bhai, Ruturaj, and (Shivam) Dube bhai. I used to watch them on TV till last year, and now I am sharing the dressing room with them. It's like a dream,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite being new to the setup, Mhatre said he quickly felt at home in the CSK environment, crediting the team\u2019s culture for helping him settle in with ease.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI didn't feel like my first time here when I joined them last year. I felt free here; that's how the environment is. They live like a family. I often have fun with my teammates, in the room as well, we hang around, though I am shy when it comes to talking, but with teammates I am fine,\u201d he expressed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking about his role on the side, the youngster made it clear that flexibility and team contribution remain his priorities, rather than a fixed batting position.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere is no specific role. They told me to just back myself and my game like the last year and no need to change anything, just watch the ball and play as per merit and contribute to the team's win as much as possible. I just want to play. I don't have any preference for the batting position. I am ready to bat at any position the team wants me to,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mhatre also reflected on the evolving nature of modern-day cricket, emphasising how the game\u2019s increasing tempo has influenced his approach with the bat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere is no specific role. They told me to just back myself and my game like the last year and no need to change anything, just watch the ball and play as per merit and contribute to the team's win as much as possible. I just want to play. I don't have any preference for the batting position. I am ready to bat at any position the team wants me to,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
CSK will play Kolkata Knight Riders at their home ground, the M A Chidambaram Stadium, on Tuesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n