India, Sept. 23 -- Ayush Mhatre has just wrapped up training at the MCA Indoor Academy in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex. While packing up, he asks his teammates from Virar to check the timings for the next Virar AC local train.

In the age of smartphones, the demand for selfies is never-ending for a known face. Being the captain of India's 2026 World Cup winning U-19 side and emerging as a dazzling opener for Chennai Super Kings, the 19-year-old batter is likely to be recognized by many in this cricket-crazy city.

And yet, taking the train to and from Virar and Bandra is a daily routine, a 50km journey of around an hour. The afternoon ride back home is easier, but the morning rush hour can be unforgiving.

The popularity will only rise a...