As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, Chennai Super Kings, under the watchful eye of skipper MS Dhoni, have reportedly turned their focus to Mumbai’s emerging teen talent, Ayush Mhatre.
As per a report from TOI, the 17-year-old batter has been invited to CSK trials after an impressive domestic season that saw him excel with Mumbai in the Irani Cup and Ranji Trophy matches, which reportedly caught the eye of MS Dhoni.

17-year-old Ayush Mhatre has been a newcomer in the domestic circuit, playing only five first-class matches for Mumbai, and his recent performances have drawn considerable attention.
In five first-class matches, he accumulated 321 runs at an average of 35.66, including a standout 176-run innings against Maharashtra at the BKC ground. Known for his composure at the crease and ability to handle high-pressure scenarios, Mhatre represents the kind of talent CSK and Dhoni often target – young, ambitious, and technically sound.
The TOI report revealed that CSK’s CEO Kasi Viswanath reportedly sent an official email to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) requesting Mhatre’s availability for trials in Jeddah, where the IPL 2025 mega auction will be held. This request comes ahead of the six-day gap between the Ranji Trophy and the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
This gap in the fixtures will allow Mhatre to participate without disrupting his domestic commitments. His probable inclusion in Mumbai’s Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 squad further showcases his rising star as a reliable top-order batter.
CSK’s history of nurturing raw talent is well-known, with players like Ravichandran Ashwin, Matheesha Pathirana, and more recently, Sameer Rizvi, emerging through their ranks.
Dhoni’s reputation for fostering young players could make CSK an ideal platform for Mhatre, should he perform well in the trials and secure a spot in the auction. A potential pick by CSK in IPL 2025 could mark the beginning of a promising career in the league for Mhatre, who seems poised to make an impact on one of the tournament’s most successful franchises.