Chennai Super Kings have looked to young Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre as a replacement for injured skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been out of the rest of IPL 2025 after suffering an elbow fracture. Struggling to get the right blend this season, the five-time champions who are rock bottom of the points table made the decision late on Saturday (April 13).
“He will join the squad in Mumbai in a couple of days,” a source close to CSK management told Cricbuzz.
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Who Is Ayush Mhatre?
Mhatre is regarded as one of Mumbai’s brightest young hopes. In the nine games he has played since his first-class debut last October, he has hit 504 runs, which includes two centuries and a half-century. In List A cricket too, he has been outstanding, scoring 458 runs in seven matches, with two tons to show. In domestic circles, many are of the opinion that the youngster has all it takes to become an India international in the future.
Mhatre Didn’t Get Picked In IPL Auction
Mhatre, who did not find any buyer in the IPL auction amid a base price of ₹30 lakh, has now been taken into the MS Dhoni-led team. Though he’s been instructed to report right away, logistical factors mean that he’ll be joining the team just in a few days’ time.
Prior to inking Mhatre, CSK held tryouts with some shortlisted players, such as Gujarat’s Urvil Patel, Kerala’s Salman Nizar, and even India outcast Prithvi Shaw. However, the team eventually chose to sign the 17-year-old after being convinced by his playing and potential.
