 "Ayush Mhatre during a first-class game for Mumbai. Image: PTI")
In a significant move, the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have reportedly signed 17-year-old Mumbai batter Ayush Mhatre as captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s replacement for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. This comes after Gaikwad was ruled out with an elbow fracture that he sustained during their match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) last week.
According to Cricbuzz, the decision to bring in Mhatre has been confirmed by sources within the CSK camp. CSK have managed just two points from six games and are currently at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table. Mhatre is expected to join the squad ahead of their high-voltage clash against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on 20 April.
“He will join the squad in Mumbai in a couple of days,” a CSK source was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. If Mhatre joins CSK for the IPL 2025 season, he will get to play under the legendary MS Dhoni, who has taken over the captaincy after Gaikwad’s injury ruled him out of the tournament.
Who is Ayush Mhatre?
Ayush Mhatre may not be a household name yet, but within Mumbai’s cricketing circles, the teenager is considered one of the brightest prospects. Known for his aggressive top-order batting, Mhatre has impressed selectors with his consistent domestic performances.
He has already played nine first-class matches, scoring 504 runs, including two centuries and a half-century. In the List A format, he has been even more impressive, amassing 458 runs in just seven games, with two hundreds to his name.
Mhatre made his first-class debut in October 2024, and his rapid rise since then has led many to label him as a future India player. While he went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction at a base price of INR 30 lakh, Mhatre may now find himself part of one of the league’s most successful franchises.