Former India's explosive batter Virender Sehwag has offered his analysis of the delivery that led to Ayush Mhatre's dismissal during Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) IPL 2025 clash on May 3. According to Sehwag, the trajectory of the ball suggested it was likely to go for a six. However, he believes that Mhatre's intention behind the shot was not necessarily to reach his century with a maximum. Instead, Sehwag opines that Mhatre was aiming to accelerate the scoring rate for his team, which prompted him to play that particular aggressive shot.
It was clear that he wanted to get a boundary early in the over: Ayush Mhatre
Ayush Mhatre played a fine knock during the run chase at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. His performance was crucial in keeping Chennai Super Kings in contention, especially alongside Ravindra Jadeja, as they worked to rebuild the innings after an early setback of losing two wickets in quick succession during the powerplay.
“He played according to the ball that was bowled to him. He missed his shot, otherwise, in fact, it was a ball that should have been ideally struck for a six. Had the cutter found the middle of the bat, then it would have been a six for sure," Sehwag said while speaking on Cricbuzz.
“Agar voh apna sau ke baare mei soch rahe hote toh definitely woh shot to nahi khelte (If he was thinking about his hundred, he would have not played that shot). So, that means that it was clear that he wanted to get a boundary early in the over, which is why he attempted the shot," Sehwag further stated.
Mhatre nearly overshadowed Romario Shepherd’s explosive 14-ball half-century with a brilliant knock of 94. However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowlers managed to hold their nerve in the crucial final overs, snatching a hard-fought two-run victory over Chennai. Despite Mhatre's heroic effort, where the 17-year-old's stunning 94 off just 48 balls, including nine boundaries and five sixes, propelled CSK to a total of 211/5, it ultimately wasn't enough.
Mhatre found a reliable partner in the experienced Ravindra Jadeja, who remained unbeaten on 77 off 45 deliveries. Together, they forged a significant 114-run partnership for the third wicket but that wasn't enough to steer CSK past the finishing line.
Chennai Super Kings will next lock horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 7 at the Eden Gardens stadium