Mumbai U-23 Start Elite One-Day Campaign in Style as Ayush Vartak Steals the Show

Mumbai opened their Men’s U-23 State A Trophy Elite One-Day campaign with back-to-back wins, and the common thread through both matches was the same Ayush Vartak batting on a different level.

Here’s the thing.
The first game against Gujarat looked like a bowl-first kind of day, and Mumbai got it right. Gujarat were held to 259 in 50 overs thanks to a disciplined effort from the attack. Nikhil Giri, Rohan G, and Parikshit grabbed two wickets each, while Atharva Bhosale and Ayush Vartak chipped in with a wicket apiece.

The chase wasn’t flashy at the start, but once Ayush walked in, the tempo changed. What this really means is Mumbai had someone who could control the game while still scoring at a pace that crushes bowlers. He stayed unbeaten on 93 off 60 balls, hammering 10 fours and 4 sixes, and finished the job in 48.4 overs to seal a confident win.

The second match, against Assam, only strengthened Mumbai’s momentum. This time they chose to bat first, and the innings had one clear highlight Ayush again. He smashed 132 off just 70 deliveries, a knock loaded with authority and clean hitting. Ten fours, ten sixes, and the kind of strike rate that turns a solid total into a daunting one. Mumbai ended with 309 on the board.

Assam never really got going in response and folded for 172, giving Mumbai a massive 137-run win.

If there’s one name shaping Mumbai’s early surge in this tournament, it’s Ayush Vartak. Two matches. Two match-defining knocks. Runs at speed. Composure under pressure. And a clear reminder that Mumbai have a rising star who’s already playing like he belongs at the next level.