How did Ashutosh Mahida's family cope during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Ashutosh Mahida's father, Chirag Mahida, lost his livelihood as a choreographer during the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the family to sell vegetables to make ends meet. However, Chirag encouraged Ashutosh to continue pursuing his passion for cricket.

What is Ashutosh Mahida's goal for his India A debut?

Ashutosh Mahida says his aim is to give his best and help his team win in his first international tournament with the India A Under-19 team.

Home / Sports / Cricketer Overcomes Pandemic Hardship to Earn India A Debut at 18

Cricketer Overcomes Pandemic Hardship to Earn India A Debut at 18

Q: What achievements has Ashutosh Mahida accomplished in his cricket career?

Ashutosh Mahida started playing cricket at the age of 9 and has since played in the Vijay Merchant Trophy in 2022 and the U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy in 2024, where he picked up 16 wickets in five matches. In November 2025, he made his debut for the India A Under-19 team.

18 Nov

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Summary

18-year-old Ashutosh Mahida makes India A U-19 team debut
Helped father sell vegetables during COVID-19 lockdown
Encouraged by father to focus on cricket despite financial troubles

Cricketer Overcomes Pandemic Hardship to Earn India A Debut at 18

In November 2025, 18-year-old Ashutosh Mahida from Vadodara is making his debut for the India A Under-19 team in a triangular series in Bengaluru. This is a remarkable achievement, considering the obstacles he has overcome in the past four years.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2021, Mahida's father, Chirag Mahida, a professional choreographer, lost his livelihood. To keep the family afloat, the young cricketer had to put aside his cricket whites and help his father sell vegetables. However, Mahida's father encouraged him to continue pursuing his passion for cricket, even during their financial troubles.

Gradually, the family's situation improved, and Chirag Mahida was able to return to his choreography work. Mahida, who started playing cricket at the age of nine, has been steadily making his mark. He played the Vijay Merchant Trophy in 2022 and the U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy in 2024, where he picked up 16 wickets in five matches.

Despite a few injuries that kept him out of action, Mahida has bounced back and is now ready to showcase his talent on the international stage. His coach, Digvijay Rathwa, has high hopes for the young pace bowler, who is known for his ability to strike fear in the hearts of batsmen with his sheer pace.

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