With the IPL 2025 auction nearing, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are targeting talented Mumbai batsman Ayush Mhatre. At just 17, Mhatre’s impressive showings in recent First-Class games have caught the eye of former CSK captain MS Dhoni.
The young opener is now poised to attend CSK’s selection trials at the CSK High-Performance Centre in Navalur during a break between the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Mhatre made his First-Class debut for Mumbai against Rest of India in Lucknow during the Irani Cup in October.
In five matches (nine innings) so far, he has scored 321 runs at an average of 35.66, including one century and one half-century.
According to a report in The Times of India (TOI), CSK has invited Mhatre to attend selection trials during the six-day break between the fifth round of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy (ending November 16) and the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, which starts on November 23.
Superkings & MS Dhoni are impressed with 17 years old, Ayush Mhatre!đź’›
CSK CEO, Kasi Viswanathan had asked the MCA secretary (via mail) to grant permission to Ayush Mhatre.
So that he attends CSK's selection trials at the franchise's CSK-HPC Navalur grounds. pic.twitter.com/yqF6sE3w8G
— Hustler (@HustlerCSK) November 11, 2024
Mhatre is included in Mumbai’s list of probables for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The TOI report also mentioned that CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan had emailed Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) secretary Abhay Hadap last month, seeking permission for Mhatre to attend CSK’s selection trials.
Ayush Mhatre’s display in First-Class cricket
The Mumbai opening batter scored 19 and 14 on his First-Class debut against Rest of India in the Irani Cup. He then made 52 and 22 in the Ranji Trophy match against Baroda in Vadodara.
Mhatre made headlines with a brilliant 176 in the first innings of the Ranji Trophy match against Maharashtra at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Mumbai. Chasing Maharashtra’s 126, Mumbai posted 441, with Mhatre leading the charge with a 232-ball knock that included 22 fours and four sixes.
Although Mhatre was named Player of the Match for his stellar performance against Maharashtra, he has faced challenges in his recent Ranji Trophy appearances. The 17-year-old was dismissed for scores of 4 and 1 against Tripura in Agartala and managed only 18 against Odisha in Mumbai.
With the IPL 2025 mega auction set for November 24-25 in Jeddah, CSK’s reported interest in the young Mumbai opener marks a notable development.
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