IPL 2025: CSK names 17-year-old Mumbai batter as Ruturaj Gaikwad’s replacement
In a major development ahead of their reverse-fixture against Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have officially named Ayush Mhatre as a replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season.
The 17-year-old batting prodigy from Mumbai is set to link up with the squad before CSK’s away game on April 20, as the franchise aims to turn around its campaign after a disappointing start.
All you need to know about the 17-year-old Mumbai batter
A rising star in the Indian domestic circuit, Ayush Mhatre has made waves with his consistent performances across formats. The young right-handed batter was recently part of a trial session organized by CSK in Chennai, where he impressed the coaching staff with his fearless stroke play and temperament under pressure.
In his short yet impactful domestic career, Mhatre has scored 504 runs in nine first-class matches, including two centuries and a fifty. His List A record is even more remarkable—458 runs in seven matches, with two tons, including a high score of 181 against Nagaland. Another highlight of his season was a stellar 148 against Saurashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, underlining his ability to convert starts into big innings.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Mhatre shared insights into his cricketing journey. “I started playing at six, but serious cricket began when I was ten,” he said. “My grandfather, Laxmikant Naik, would accompany me daily to practice sessions in Matunga. Despite concerns from my family about sleep and routine, they now see that those sacrifices are beginning to pay off.”
Mhatre is a product of Don Bosco High School, Matunga, and has been training relentlessly with the dream of wearing an IPL jersey—a dream that will now become a reality.
Also READ: 5 biggest IPL defeats for CSK by balls remaining
CSK looking for a comeback in IPL 2025
The five-time champions, CSK, are currently enduring a tough season, placed at the bottom in the IPL 2025 standings with only two points from six games. With Gaikwad unavailable for the remainder of the tournament, the inclusion of Mhatre can be seen as both a tactical and hopeful move to inject fresh energy into the struggling side.
As the yellow brigade prepares for their upcoming matches, all eyes will be on Mhatre to see if the young sensation can rise to the occasion and make a mark on the biggest T20 stage in the world.
