Chennai Super Kings are on the lookout for a replacement for captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Even before reaching the halfway mark of IPL 2025, the Maharashtra batter has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament. For all we know, CSK might have already found a replacement – a rising Mumbai batter.
Ayush Mhatre to replace Gaikwad in CSK?
Mhatre, who had an impressive run in domestic cricket after making his debut last year, was called for mid-season trials by CSK on April 4. He had previously attended trials before the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, the team did not show any interest in him at that time.
Gaikwad was struck on his elbow during the game against RR in Guwahati on March 30. He went on to play two more games – against DC and PBKS – on April 5 and 8. However, ahead of the April 11 clash against KKR, he was ruled out after a MRI scan revealed a fractured elbow.
Timeline of Gaikwad’s injury & Mhatre’s trial
- November 2024: CSK ask Mhatre to travel for trials to camp in Chennai
- November 2024: Mhatre goes unsold in IPL 2025 mega auction
- March 30: Gaikwad gets struck on elbow in game against RR
- April 4: Mhatre asked to appear for mid-season trials
- April 5: CSK captain plays in game against DC
- April 8: Gaikwad plays another game against PBKS
- April 10: Gaikwad ruled out of remainder of IPL
What CSK CEO had said
Perhaps, CSK were aware of Gaikwad’s injury concern and hence called Mhatre for trials on April 4. At that time, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan had said that they weren’t picking anybody and had called Mhatre only for trials. He had added that the team would pick only there was a need.
“Yes, we’ve called him for trials. He has impressed our talent scouts. No, if there’s any need, we’ll do that. We’re not picking anybody, it’s just a trial,” CSK MD Kasi Viswanathan told Times of India.
The rise of Ayush Mhatre
Mhatre bats at the top of the order for Mumbai in the domestic circuit. In his last List A game, he scored 148 runs off just 93 deliveries. No wonder the CSK scouts are impressed with the teenager. In November 2024, he earned a call-up to the India U-19 side for the U19 Asia Cup.
2024 was quite a phenomenal year for Mhatre. He surpassed Yashasvi Jaiswal to become the new record holder for the youngest to score 150+ runs in List A cricket.
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