It was more than just a cricket match at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday — it was a dream coming to life. Seventeen-year-old Ayush Mhatre made his IPL debut for Chennai Super Kings in front of a roaring crowd and an emotional family. A Debut to Remember The Mumbai-born youngster walked out to bat after an early dismissal of opener Rachin Ravindra and wasted no time making his mark. Facing his hometown team, the Mumbai Indians, Mhatre played with fearless intent and smashed a quick 32 off just 15 balls. His aggressive knock included four boundaries and two towering sixes, setting the tone for CSK’s innings. Mhatre’s fireworks, however, were cut short when Deepak Chahar dismissed him right after the powerplay. Despite the short stay, his impact was undeniable. Family Pride and Happy Tears In the stands, Mhatre's cousins were soaking in every moment. One of the youngest among them was overwhelmed with emotion as Ayush took guard in CSK’s iconic yellow. Tears streamed down his face — a moment of pride and joy that captured the hearts of fans. CSK later shared a clip of the touching scene on social media, and the video quickly won over the internet. The cousins celebrated every shot Mhatre played with unmatched energy, turning the stands into a mini fan club. Pure Wholesomeness!! 🥺 What the debut meant to Ayush's cousins! 💛#MIvCSK #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/3PclGOuKHx — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 20, 2025 Mhatre made a stunning start, hitting a six, a four, and another six off his first three balls — a dream introduction for any young cricketer. Praise from the Legend After the match, CSK skipper MS Dhoni lauded the teenager’s approach and maturity at the crease. “I think as a youngster, he batted really well. And you know, that’s the kind of approach that is needed where you play your shots, but at the same time, you pick the shots that are your strength. I feel right from the start, he just wanted to play his shots," said Dhoni. “We also haven’t seen him much, so it’s a good sign for us. Top of the order, if you can keep playing the shots, it becomes slightly easier for the middle and the lower order," he added. Thanks to Mhatre’s rapid start and contributions from the rest of the lineup, CSK posted 176/5 in 20 overs. Ravindra Jadeja anchored the innings with a solid 53, while Shivam Dube added a brisk fifty of his own from 32 balls. However, despite the promising total, CSK couldn’t hold back Mumbai Indians. After Ryan Rickelton’s early departure, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav stitched together a dominant 153-run partnership. Their clinical chase handed MI a comfortable victory — but the spotlight still belonged, in part, to a 17-year-old debutant who made his mark and moved hearts. ALSO READ: Ishan Kishan Gets BCCI Central Contract Despite Not Playing For India Since 2023: Here’s The Explanation