CSK Surprised by 17-Year-Old Batting Prodigy, Fast-Track Trials for IPL 2025; CEO Responds

Mumbai's Young Opener, Ayush Mhatre, Gets a Chance at Mid-Season Trial with CSK

In an unexpected turn of events, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have decided to fast-track 17-year-old Mumbai opener, Ayush Mhatre, for a mid-season trial during the ongoing IPL 2025 season. If Mhatre impresses the team management, he could potentially join the CSK squad as a last-minute replacement.

Despite not being picked in last year’s IPL mega auction in Jeddah, Mhatre’s consistent domestic performances have caught the eye of CSK’s talent scouts. As per CSK's managing director, Kasi Viswanathan, the young opener has been called in for a trial, though no injury or unavailability of any registered players has been confirmed as the reason for the trial.

“We’ve called him for trials. He has impressed our talent scouts,” Viswanathan confirmed in an interview with The Times of India. “There’s no specific reason; if there is any need, we will consider that. But this is just a trial at this stage.”

IMPRESSIVE DOMESTIC FORM 

SETS MHATRE APART

Ayush Mhatre’s rise in Indian domestic cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. The Mumbai opener showcased his skills during the 2024 Ranji Trophy, finishing as his team's fourth-highest run-scorer with a total of 471 runs in eight matches. He also notched up two centuries, further highlighting his potential.

In addition, Mhatre made headlines during the Vijay Hazare Trophy earlier this year. The 17-year-old was in scintillating form, scoring 458 runs in seven matches, including a match-winning century against Saurashtra. His outstanding average of 65.42 in the limited-overs format added to his growing reputation as one of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket.

CSK’S STRUGGLING START TO IPL 2025

CSK’s IPL 2025 campaign has faced a rocky start, with the team currently sitting in seventh place in the standings. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side has secured only one win in three matches, with their top-order failing to deliver consistently. Players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rahul Tripathi, and Rachin Ravindra have struggled to find their rhythm at the top of the order, which has added pressure on the rest of the team.

With their batting woes in the opening slot, CSK are exploring all options to inject some fresh energy into the side. While Mhatre’s inclusion remains speculative, his talent and recent form could prove to be just what the team needs to boost their struggling batting line-up.

THE ROAD AHEAD

At this stage, CSK have not confirmed whether any of their players are injured or unavailable for the remainder of the season. However, the potential inclusion of Ayush Mhatre offers a glimmer of hope for the Chennai franchise, who will be hoping that the young prodigy’s dynamic style of play could provide the spark they need to turn their season around.