Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have decided on Ayush Mhatre as the replacement for an injured Ruturaj Gaikwad. The 17-year-old Mumbai batter was earlier called for mid-season trials on April 4, just days after Gaikwad had suffered a blow to his elbow. However, Mhatre will not be able to join the side immediately.
Mhatre named Gaikwad’s replacement in CSK
According to reports, CSK made the decision to replace Gaikwad with Mhatre on April 13. The Mumbai opener is likely to join the CSK camp ahead of their April 20 clash against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians. CSK have brought Mhatre in for Rs 30 lakh for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season.
“Chennai Super Kings picked Ayush Mhatre as a replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad,” the IPL said in a release.
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
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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