In a dramatic turn of events, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have scooped up Mumbai’s young batting sensation, Ayush Mhatre, to fill the void left by the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad in the remainder of IPL 2025. Gaikwad’s season came to an abrupt halt after a fractured elbow sidelined the star batter, leaving CSK scrambling for a replacement.
The injury occurred during CSK’s fiery clash against the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30, where Gaikwad took a painful blow to the elbow. Despite soldiering on in the subsequent matches against Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, an MRI scan ahead of the April 11 game against Kolkata Knight Riders revealed the fracture, ending his campaign prematurely.
CSK, the five-time IPL champions, wasted no time in securing Ayush’s services, finalizing the deal on April 13. The 17-year-old prodigy, who went unsold at the IPL 2025 mega auction despite a base price of INR 30 lakh, is set to join the squad in Mumbai imminently. A source close to the CSK camp confirmed, “He will link up with the team in a couple of days.”
Ayush, a rising star in domestic cricket, has already carved out a reputation for himself in a short span. Despite debuting only last year, his performances have been nothing short of spectacular. CSK had previously invited him for a mid-season trial alongside Salman Nizar and Urvil Patel, but it was Ayush’s raw talent that caught the selectors’ eye. The franchise bypassed seasoned players like Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw, opting instead for the fearless teenager.
Ayush Mhatre: A Record-Breaking Talent
Although Ayush hasn’t yet stepped onto the T20 stage, his domestic stats speak volumes. In nine first-class matches, he has piled up 504 runs, including two centuries and a half-century. His List A numbers are even more jaw-dropping—458 runs in just seven games at an average of 65.42 and a strike rate of 135.50. He etched his name in the record books with a breathtaking 181 off 117 balls, becoming the youngest player to score 150+ in men’s List A cricket.
At CSK, Ayush will reunite with Andre Siddarth, his teammate from India’s U19 Asia Cup squad last year, adding a touch of familiarity to his new journey in yellow.
CSK’s Struggles Continue
Meanwhile, CSK’s woes in IPL 2025 show no signs of abating. With just one win in six matches, the team finds itself in a precarious position, desperate to snap a five-game losing streak. Their next challenge comes against the Lucknow Super Giants on April 14, a must-win game to keep their playoff hopes alive.
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