Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have called Ayush Mhatre for a trial ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The 17-year-old is an opener by trade and could be brought in as captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s partner up top. Just a month into his domestic career, Ayush already has one hundred and fifty in five matches. Although his average stands a little over 35 right now, he clearly possesses immense talent.
CSK calls opener Ayush Mhatre for trials
According to the Times of India, Ayush has impressed CSK scouts and their former captain, MS Dhoni. This has helped the 17-year-old earn a trial at the CSK High Performance Centre. Mumbai is playing their fifth-round Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match against Services tomorrow, following which they’ll have a 6-day break before the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (MCA) commences on November 23.
CSK has called Ayush to report for selection trials during this short break. Since Ayush has been included in the Mumbai Cricket Association’s (MCA) list of probables for the SMAT, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has asked MCA’s permission to allow Ayush to attend the trials in Chennai.
As mentioned above, Ayush Mhatre could be a partner for captain Gaikwad. Since CSK haven’t retained any other opener for the IPL 2025 season, they could want Ayush as their backup opener, as they could likely use a Right to Match (RTM) card for Devon Conway or Rachin Ravindra. Of course, all of this depends on whether CSK feels Ayush is the right fit for them.
CSK retention list for IPL 2025
Retention No. 1 (Rs 18 crore) – Ruturaj Gaikwad
Retention No. 2 (Rs 13 crore) – Matheesha Pathirana
Retention No. 3 (Rs 12 crore) – Shivam Dube
Retention No. 4 (Rs 18 crore) – Ravindra Jadeja
Retention No. 5 (Rs 4 crore) (uncapped) – MS Dhoni
Purse left – Rs 55 crores