Young Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre has confirmed that he has been called for trials by MS Dhoni’s IPL franchise, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Excited by the opportunity, Mhatre expressed that playing alongside Dhoni would be a dream come true.
Mhatre made his first-class debut for Mumbai in the Irani Cup against Rest of India in October and has already scored two centuries. He was named Player of the Match for his 176 against Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Mumbai.
In the ongoing match against Services in Delhi, Mhatre scored 116 in the first innings. Speaking to news agency IANS on November 14, he shared his excitement about CSK’s interest and the prospect of working with the legendary Dhoni.
“Yes, I got a call from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) talent scout team for the trials a few days back. I think I will go for the trials, but right now, my focus is on red-ball cricket. Since this is the last match of the first half of the Ranji Trophy season, I want to finish it on a high note,” he said.
“I can’t say if I will be picked in the auction, but yes if I get a chance to play in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings, I will try to be productive for the franchise. Playing alongside Mahendra Singh Dhoni is every youngster’s dream and it will be a dream come true for me. I haven’t met him yet, but let’s see what happens,” Mhatre went on to add.
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Earlier this week, a report in ‘The Times of India’ revealed that CSK has invited Mhatre to attend selection trials during the six-day gap between the fifth round of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy (ending November 16) and the start of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy on November 23. Additionally, Mhatre has been included in India’s Under-19 squad for the Asia Cup in the UAE.
Mumbai’s Batting Struggles Despite Ayush Mhatre’s Century
In the ongoing Ranji Trophy match in Palam, Delhi, Services were dismissed for 240 in 81 overs, with all-rounder Shardul Thakur taking 4 wickets for 46 runs. In reply, Mumbai finished the day at 253-8, holding a narrow lead of 13 runs.
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Mhatre anchored Mumbai’s innings with a solid 116 off 149 balls, including 12 fours and three sixes. Shreyas Iyer added 47 off 46, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled to make an impact. For Services, Pulkit Narang took three of the eight wickets to fall.
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