In an interesting turn of events, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have invited 17-year-old Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre for mid-season trials at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. This move has led to speculation that he might be included in the squad as a last-minute addition for IPL 2025. Mhatre, who had gone unsold in the IPL mega auction held in Jeddah last November, can only be considered as a replacement if a CSK player gets injured or becomes unavailable.
At the time of his call-up, Mhatre was in Rajkot attending the zonal camp for Under-19 cricketers at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy. CSK’s Managing Director and CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, confirmed the news, stating, “Yes, we have invited him for trials. He has caught the attention of our talent scouts.” However, when asked if CSK was dealing with any injuries, he clarified, “No, this is just a trial. If the need arises, we will consider our options.” Notably, this is not the first time CSK has shown interest in Mhatre, as they had previously invited him for trials in November before the IPL auction.
A Promising Young Talent
Ayush Mhatre has been making a mark with his performances in domestic cricket. In the 2024-25 season, he played impressively for Mumbai, amassing 458 runs in seven matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy at an average of 65.42. His contributions included two centuries and a fifty. He continued his fine form in the Ranji Trophy, scoring 471 runs in eight matches at an average of 33.64.
His highest score in the tournament was 176 against Maharashtra, showcasing his ability to play long innings. His consistent performances have attracted the attention of CSK’s top management and talent scouts. The franchise has a reputation for identifying and nurturing young talent, and Mhatre’s call-up suggests that he is under serious consideration for future opportunities.
CSK’s Current Performance in IPL 2025
The Chennai Super Kings have had a mixed start to their IPL 2025 campaign. With one win and two losses in their first three matches, they currently occupy the seventh position on the IPL points table. The team is looking to strengthen its squad as the tournament progresses, and Mhatre’s trial could be part of their strategy to explore fresh talent. While there is no official confirmation of him being drafted into the squad, his selection for trials indicates that CSK is keeping its options open for potential reinforcements in the batting lineup.
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