Ayush Vartak impresses in T20 Mumbai League, guided by Dhoni’s advice

Midway through the Indian Premier League season, when Chennai Super Kings summoned him for replacement trials, Ayush Vartak knew the opportunity extended far beyond impressing the support staff and earning a CSK call-up. For a week, the hard-hitting middle-order batter from Vasai found himself sharing space with some of the biggest names in Indian cricket — including one whose advice stayed with him.

“Wait for your chances, let the ball come to you,” was the message from Mahendra Singh Dhoni after observing Vartak’s batting approach during the trials.

On Tuesday evening at the Wankhede Stadium, traces of that advice were visible. representing North Mumbai Panthers against Triumph Knights Mumbai North East, Vartak smashed 39 off just 21 balls, helping Panthers surge to 209 for five before eventually sealing a 21-run victory.

“I feel that advice came in handy,” Vartak admitted. “When you wait for the right balls and trust your game, things become easier.”The 22-year-old’s rise has hardly been accidental. Growing up in Vasai— far from Mumbai’s traditional cricketing hubs — Vartak’s journey changed after being spotted during an Under-12 camp by veteran coach Dinesh Lad, credited for the rise of Rohit Sharma and Shardul Thakur.

“Lad sir spotted me in an Under-12 camp. From there, my Mumbai cricket journey started,” Vartak said. “Sometimes he compliments me, sometimes he taunts me, but he has always been a pillar of support.”

Having already represented Mumbai across age-group cricket and captained the Under-23 side last season, Vartak is increasingly viewed as one of Mumbai cricket’s brightest prospects. Yet, his ambitions remain modest.

“All I am thinking about is getting closer to a Mumbai Ranji cap,” he said. “People say playing for Mumbai is as difficult as playing for India. So that remains the first target.”

The T20 Mumbai League, meanwhile, is offering another education. Playing under Ajinkya Rahane has given Vartak lessons in calmness and leadership, while competing against the India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav offered perspective.

“He has been in touch with me over WhatsApp for two years now. Even during the game, Surya bhai was giving tips,” Vartak said. “Playing against players like him is a huge opportunity for us.”