08 October,2026 05:48 PM IST | Mumbai | Atharva Upasani
Ayush Mhatre and MS Dhoni (Pic: CSK)
Ayush Mhatre opened up about MS Dhoni's influence on him during his IPL stint with Chennai Super Kings. Mhatre has been handed the Mumbai team's vice-captaincy for the upcoming Ranji season, with Siddhesh Lad appointed as the captain.
When asked about the leadership advice he received from MS Dhoni, Ayush Mhatre shared that India's legendary 'Captain Cool' urged him to maintain his calm. He further added that India's 2011 World Cup-winning captain advised him to avoid reactionary decisions made in anger.
"He had advised me to stay calm whenever I take over captaincy for any team. We have always seen how Mahendra Singh Dhoni remains calm, and one of the things I have learnt from him is that anger may last for five minutes, but decisions taken in anger can often be wrong. Once you calm down, you can think better. I have tried to follow that approach, stay composed on the field and make better decisions for myself and the team." Mhatre said.
Ayush Mhatre admitted that he tried to follow the same advice during India's U-19 winning campaign under him. Now with the added responsibility of a vice-captaincy role, Mhatre is looking forward to the challenge.
"Being named vice-captain of Mumbai is a big responsibility and a very proud moment for me, especially given the stature of the team and what the Ranji Trophy means to Mumbai cricket. The support I have received from the team has been excellent, and I have never felt like I was treated differently because I am a youngster. Siddesh Lad has supported me a lot and always made me feel comfortable within the team." Mhatre added.
Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad said he is enjoying the pressure of captaining Mumbai and wants to add another domestic trophy to the team's trophy cabinet.
"Given Mumbai's rich history, the 42 Ranji Trophy titles we have won and the legacy of players who have represented the team, there will always be pressure when you wear the Mumbai jersey. But as a unit, we want to embrace that pressure rather than run away from it." Lad said.
