A new star has risen in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ayush Mhatre, a relatively lesser-known name until this season, has scripted history by breaking Suresh Raina’s 17-year-old record with a fiery half-century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday.
Mhatre’s explosive innings, marked by audacious strokeplay and sheer confidence, brought the cricketing world to its feet. His 50 came off just 18 balls, surpassing Raina’s record of 19 balls set back in 2008 — a record many thought would stand for decades.
A Night to Remember
Batting first at the Wankhede Stadium, Mhatre walked in with his team in a slightly shaky position at 38/2 in the 5th over. What followed was nothing short of a blitzkrieg.
With the likes of Mohammed Siraj and Lockie Ferguson steaming in, the 22-year-old Mhatre took the attack to the bowlers. He smashed 6 fours and 4 sixes en route to his record-breaking fifty, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
“It’s a dream come true,” Mhatre said in the post-match presentation. “To break a record held by someone like Suresh Raina, who I’ve idolized growing up, feels surreal.”
Breaking Down the Record
| Record | Holder Until 2025 | New Record Holder | Balls Taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastest IPL Fifty by Indian | Suresh Raina (2008) | Ayush Mhatre (2025) | 18 balls |
Raina’s record was set during a high-octane innings for Chennai Super Kings against Kings XI Punjab in the inaugural season of the IPL. It remained untouched for nearly two decades before Mhatre’s explosive knock rewrote history.
Mhatre’s Rise: From Domestic Talent to IPL Star
Born and raised in Mumbai, Ayush Mhatre had been making waves in the domestic circuit with consistent performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate at will had already caught the attention of scouts, and it was only a matter of time before he made an impact on the IPL stage.
Picked up in the 2025 auction for ₹50 lakhs, Mhatre was considered a promising backup. But injuries to senior players gave him an opportunity — one that he grabbed with both hands.
Social Media and Cricketing Fraternity Reacts
- The cricketing world couldn’t hold back praise. Former cricketers, analysts, and fans flooded social media with admiration for the young batter.
Virender Sehwag tweeted: “What a knock! Ayush Mhatre, remember the name. Clean hitting, fearless intent – this is what T20 cricket is about.”
Suresh Raina, whose record was broken, graciously commented: “Records are made to be broken. Proud to see young talent shine. Congrats Ayush!”
IPL’s official Twitter handle updated the record live, with a post that read: “History made! Ayush Mhatre now holds the record for the fastest IPL fifty by an Indian. #IPL2025 #RCBvs[Team]”
The Match Impact
Mhatre’s innings shifted the momentum entirely. From a modest total looking likely, his team soared past 200 runs, putting RCB under immense pressure.
RCB, despite a fighting effort from Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell, fell short by 24 runs, giving Mhatre’s team a crucial win and pushing them higher on the points table.
His contribution earned him the Player of the Match, and possibly a long-term place in the playing XI.
Future of Indian Cricket?
With India’s T20 squad looking at a generational transition post the 2024 World Cup, Ayush Mhatre’s performance has certainly catapulted him into the national radar. Selectors and BCCI officials were reportedly present at the stadium and took note of the youngster’s temperament and talent.
“He’s a rare talent. What impressed me was not just the strike rate, but how calm and composed he was under pressure,” said a BCCI source.
A Star is Born
Ayush Mhatre’s innings wasn’t just about a record — it was about intent, flair, and announcing a new chapter in Indian cricket. In front of a packed Wankhede and millions watching across the globe, he proved that age and experience are secondary to courage and clarity of purpose.
As fans buzz with excitement and commentators hail his arrival, one thing is certain: Indian cricket has found its next big sensation.
