In a bold and exciting move, Chennai Super Kings handed a debut to 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre ahead of their high-octane clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Mhatre comes into the side as a direct replacement for Rahul Tripathi, who makes way in the playing XI.
Ayush Mhatre, Mumbai’s prodigy
The teenager was roped into the CSK squad last week as a replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad and has now been thrust into the limelight on one of the biggest stages in the IPL calendar.
A right-handed batter who represents Mumbai in domestic cricket, Mhatre has already made a strong impression on the domestic circuit, scoring 962 runs across nine First-Class and seven List A matches. Known for his aggressive strokeplay and natural flair, he was called in for a trial in Chennai earlier this season alongside several other young talents.
He was called before the IPL 2025 mega auction and was then spotted at CSK trials again mid season. It’s believed the CSK think tank was particularly impressed with his fearless approach, something that CSK has lacked this season.
The youngster joined the franchise for INR 30 lakh and now finds himself making his IPL debut in the pressure cauldron of the Wankhede — against the very state side he represents at the domestic level.
Youngest Players to Play in IPL
| Player | Age at Debut | Team | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | 14 years 23 days | Rajasthan Royals | 2025 |
| Prayas Ray Barman | 16 years 157 days | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 2019 |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | 17 years 11 days | Punjab Kings | 2018 |
| Riyan Parag | 17 years 152 days | Rajasthan Royals | 2019 |
| Pradeep Sangwan | 17 years 179 days | Delhi Daredevils | 2008 |
| Sarfaraz Khan | 17 years 182 days | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 2015 |
| Washington Sundar | 17 years 199 days | Rising Pune Supergiants | 2017 |
| Rahul Chahar | 17 years 247 days | Rising Pune Supergiants | 2017 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 17 years 250 days | Delhi Capitals | 2018 |
| Ishan Kishan | 17 years 262 days | Gujarat Lions | 2017 |
| Ayush Mhatre | 17 years 278 days | Chennai Super Kings | 2025* |
