Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have roped in 17-year-old Mumbai batting prodigy Ayush Mhatre as a replacement for their injured skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. The five-time champions announced the signing following confirmation that Gaikwad has been ruled out due to an elbow fracture sustained in CSK’s recent clash against Punjab Kings.
🚨LION ALERT ‼️
Mumbai youngster Ayush Mhatre drafted as a replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad who had suffered an elbow fracture earlier. #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/PGMDH12J9q
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 14, 2025
The young right-hander has been signed for ₹30 lakh and brings with him a promising domestic resume. Mhatre, who has already made waves in the Indian domestic circuit, has played nine first-class matches and seven List-A games, scoring a total of 962 runs for Mumbai.
In first-class cricket, Mhatre has scored 504 runs in 16 innings at an average of 31.50, including two centuries and a fifty, with a highest score of 176. His List-A record is even more impressive, having amassed 458 runs in seven games at a staggering average of 65.42, with two centuries and a fifty, and a personal best of 181.
His performances in youth cricket have also drawn attention. Representing India in the ACC U19 Asia Cup, he notched up 176 runs in five matches at an average of 44.00, including two half-centuries. This year, in his maiden full Ranji Trophy season for Mumbai, Mhatre scored 471 runs in eight matches, maintaining a consistent average of 33.64 with two centuries and one fifty to his name.
The sudden exit of Gaikwad comes as a blow to CSK. Before his injury, the 27-year-old opener had managed 122 runs from five innings, including two fifties, at an average of 24.40. With his absence, franchise icon MS Dhoni has stepped back in as captain, reigniting the yellow army’s hopes as they navigate a challenging mid-season phase.
All eyes will now be on Ayush Mhatre as he gears up for his IPL debut under Dhoni’s mentorship. While replacing an established player like Gaikwad is no small task, Mhatre’s solid technique and temperament have already drawn admiration in domestic circles. CSK fans will be hoping he can bring the same flair and composure to the big stage.
