Watch: Sachin Tendulkar gifts signed Test jersey to U-19 World cup winning captain Ayush Mhatre

Originally posted on CricketGully | Last updated Feb 9, 2026 10:15 PM ET

The Under-19 World Cup-winning captain, Ayush Mhatre, had already received a grand welcome at the Mumbai airport. A massive crowd turned out to welcome him. His family too came in numbers with bouquets, and Mhtre was seen almost in shock to see the arrangements. However, it reached the peak when he visited Sachin Tendulkar's home.

The Mumbai-born cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar welcomed Ayush Mhatre at his home. There he gave his Test jersey, with autograph. He also wrote a heartfelt note on it saying,

“Dear Ayush, wishing you all the success in your career."

An overwhelmed Ayush posted the photo on his own Instagram account and recalled the journey from watching Tendulkar on the screen to finally being at his home. Ayush wrote on this Instagram,

“I grew up watching you through a screen. Today, I stand at your home, holding a piece of your journey in my hands. Thank you, Sir, for this honor. I will carry this with the same respect you carried Indian cricket for years."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ayush Mhatre (@ayush_m255)

Virar's grand reception for Ayush Mhatre

Maharashtra's Virar gave a grand welcome to their homeboy Aysuh Mhatre after he reached the town. On February 9, Mhatre was taken through the streets of Virar in a rooftop car procession as large crowds gathered to applaud the young prodigy.

Fans came with flowers. Fireworks lit the sky. The air was filled with patriotic slogans. Upon reaching his residence, his parents, Yogesh and Jagriti Mhatre, performed a traditional aarti to mark the significant homecoming.

Ayush Mhatre's contributions in the 2026 U-19 World Cup

Even though Vaibhav Suryavanshi stole the spotlight with his record-breaking performances, Ayush still managed the top 5's table, ending the tournament as the fourth-highest run-getter. Ayush scored 217 runs in 7 matches. It includes three half centuries. Two of which came in the semifinal against Afghanistan and the final against England.

Against Afghanistan, he scored 69 off 59 balls. Against England, 53 runs off 51 balls, providing crucial support in a record total of 411/9. In the group stage, he scored a rapid 27-ball 53 against New Zealand. He had an average of 30.57 and a strike rate of 113.22.

With the ball, he took seven wickets, with one in the final. He had an impressive average of 12.42. Against Pakistan, he produced a match-winning spell of 3/21.

As a leader, Mhtre stood unbeaten throughout the tournament. He also sealed a 100-run victory in the group stage, which was the highest so far in any U-19 tournament. Not only that, he became the sixth captain after Mohammed Kaif, Virat Kohli, Unmukt Chand, Prithvi Shaw, and Yash Dhull to win the U-19 World Cup.

This article first appeared on CricketGully and was syndicated with permission.

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