IPL 2025: Rising Star Ayush Mhatre Set to Join Chennai Super Kings Ahead of Mumbai Indians Clash
New Delhi, April 18, 2025 – In a significant development for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), 17-year-old batting sensation Ayush Mhatre is reportedly on the verge of joining the five-time champions for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Sources close to the franchise have confirmed to us that the young opener will link up with the squad ahead of their highly anticipated fixture against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians on April 20 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
Mhatre, who went unsold at the mega auction in Jeddah last year, emerged as a potential candidate for CSK after impressing during mid-season trials at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. As reported earlier on April 3, the Mumbai-born batter was called up for trials following a recommendation from CSK’s talent scouts, who had been tracking his progress in domestic cricket.
The decision to bring Mhatre into the fold comes on the heels of a major setback for CSK, with regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad being ruled out for the rest of the IPL season due to an elbow injury. Gaikwad sustained the injury during CSK’s match against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 in Guwahati, when he was struck on the elbow while facing a delivery from Tushar Deshpande. Despite the pain, the 28-year-old valiantly continued batting, scoring a gritty 63 runs in that game. However, his form dipped in subsequent matches, managing only 5 against Delhi Capitals and 1 against Punjab Kings, before the injury was deemed severe enough to sideline him for the season.
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed Gaikwad’s absence on the eve of their recent defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders, leaving the team in a precarious position. With just one win from six matches, CSK currently languish at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table. In Gaikwad’s absence, legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni has taken over the captaincy reins, aiming to steer the team out of troubled waters.
Amidst this challenging phase, Mhatre’s inclusion is seen as a breath of fresh air for the beleaguered franchise. The young batter, who hails from Mumbai, was part of the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy (NCA) zonal camp for Under-19 cricketers in Rajkot before being summoned by CSK. “We’ve been impressed by his maturity and stroke play during the trials. He’s a promising talent with the potential to make an impact,” said CSK MD & CEO Kasi Viswanathan in an exclusive statement.
Mhatre’s domestic record speaks volumes about his potential. In the 2024-25 domestic season, he made a scintillating debut for Mumbai, amassing 458 runs in seven matches at an average of 65.42, including two centuries and a fifty in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His red-ball credentials are equally impressive, with 471 runs in eight Ranji Trophy matches at an average of 33.64, featuring a top score of 176 against Maharashtra and two centuries. These performances highlight why CSK views him as a viable replacement for Gaikwad at the top of the order.
As CSK prepare to face Mumbai Indians in what promises to be an electrifying encounter, all eyes will be on Ayush Mhatre. Will this 17-year-old prodigy seize the opportunity to shine on one of cricket’s biggest stages? Given CSK’s pedigree of nurturing young talent—think Shivam Dube and Deepak Chahar in previous seasons—fans are hopeful that Mhatre could be the next big thing in yellow.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as CSK aim to turn their IPL 2025 campaign around with fresh blood and renewed determination.