Success comes to those who refuse to bow down to adversity — and 19-year-old cricketer Ashutosh Mahida is a living example of this. Currently part of the India A squad in the U-19 Tri-Series, Ashutosh’s journey has been far from easy. During the Covid-19 pandemic, his family’s financial condition collapsed, forcing him to sell vegetables to earn a living. Yet, even in the toughest phase of his life, he refused to let go of his dream of becoming a cricketer.

When hardship struck, he stood firm
Ashutosh’s father, Chirag Mahida, worked as a choreographer. Life was stable for the family until the pandemic took away his father’s job, leaving them without a source of income. To support the family, both father and son began selling vegetables. Despite this struggle, Ashutosh’s father consistently encouraged him to continue playing cricket and not abandon his passion.

Turning point after tough times
In an interview with The Times of India, Ashutosh shared how difficult that period was, but insisted he never gave up on cricket. As the situation gradually improved, his father was able to return to choreography, and the family regained stability.

A rise through domestic tournaments
In 2024, Ashutosh delivered standout performances in the Vijay Merchant Trophy and the U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy, taking 16 wickets in just five matches. The ongoing U-19 Tri-Series — featuring India A, India B, and Afghanistan — is his first international-level tournament.

Making an impact in his debut match
Ashutosh wasted no time proving his worth. In the opening match of the Tri-Series on November 17, India A defeated India B by 37 runs, with Ashutosh playing a crucial role. The young fast bowler took 2 wickets for 33 runs in 9 overs, showcasing discipline, control, and maturity beyond his age.