Clarke heaps praise on Ayush Mhatre after 'Virar Express' leads CSK's batting revival against PBKS: 'So much control'

Chennai Super Kings produced a much better response with the bat after their sorry performance against Rajasthan Royals, posting a challenging 209/5 on the board after being invited to bat by Punjab Kings in their first home game of the 2026 Indian Premier League. And at the heart of that batting revival was rising star Ayush Mhatre, who led the way with an explosive 73 off just 43 deliveries, containing six fours and five maximums.

‘Virar Express’ leads CSK’s batting revival at Chepauk

CSK were off to another poor start with Sanju Samson, who had starred in India’s T20 World Cup triumph last month, falling for another low score (7 off 7 balls) in the powerplay. Mhatre, who had led India to victory in the U-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe a month before the senior men’s triumph, brought the Super Kings back on track with a fiery half-century.

The ‘Virar Express’ also found valuable support at the other end during his stay at the crease, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad happy to play second fiddle with knock of 28 off 22 balls during their second-wicket partnership that was ultimately worth 96 runs.

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Michael Clarke was in the commentary box during Mhatre’s fiery half-century – his second in the IPL. And the former Australia captain couldn’t help but heap praise on the 18-year-old for the control that he exhibited during his knock as well the power in his shots.

“He’s been good from ball one. The way he holds that shape, so much control. He looks so comfortable… He’s got the skill and also the shot selection to be able to still look safe and comfortable going up and over. The power is an absolute no-brainer as well, plenty of that,” Clarke said on air while commentating for official broadcaster Star Sports.

Ayush Mhatre motoring along! 🏎️

The youngster putting wheels to @ChennaiIPL's innings 🔥#CSK 57/1 after the Powerplay.

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/riWrE2EZiF#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #CSKvPBKS pic.twitter.com/UyJtggrhxT

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 3, 2026

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Besides Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan (32 off 12) and Shivam Dube (45 not out off 27) also chipped in with valuable contributions, the latter staying at the crease till the end, to ensure the five-time champions – eyeing their first points of the season, got past 200 in the end.

Punjab Kings had earlier won the toss and skipper Shreyas Iyer opted to field. While PBKS opted for an unchanged XI, CSK handed Prashant Veer his IPL debut, bringing him in place of Matthew Short.