IPL 2025: CSK find Ruturaj Gaikwad Replacement as Ayush Mhatre set to join, Will the New Star play Today?

Chennai Super Kings have roped in the replacement for injured captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for the remainder of IPL 2025 season, as per reports.

CSK captain Gaikwad suffered an elbow injury and has been ruled out of the competition. MS Dhoni has been handed the captaincy role and will remain so till the end of the season.

IPL 2025: CSK set to sign Ayush Mhatre

Amid this, reports have suggested that Mumbai batter Ayush Mhatre is the replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad in their IPL 2025 squad. The promising Mumbai batter is expected to link up with the team in Mumbai within the next couple of days, as CSK looks to reinforce its batting depth following the setback.

Mhatre made his first-class debut for Mumbai during the 2024 Irani Cup clash against Rest of India in Lucknow on October 1. Since breaking into the domestic scene, he has featured in nine red-ball matches and seven List A games. His rapid rise includes two centuries each in both formats, establishing him as one of the brightest young talents in the Indian circuit.

In his latest List A appearance, Mhatre put in a stellar all-round display against Saurashtra, smashing 148 runs and also chipping in with a wicket while conceding just 33 runs in his seven-over spell.

CSK called Ayush Mhatre for a trial along with Kerala's Salman Nizar and Gujarat's Urvil Patel. It looks certain that the teenage Mumbaikar has been selected.

Will Ayush Mhatre Play Today vs LSG?

Although Ayush Mhatre's joining is imminent, the player will not play against LSG today in Lucknow. Mhatre is set to join the team in a couple of days and will be only available after that. After today, Chennai's next match will be on Sunday against Mumbai Indians, and the player will be in the reckoning for that encounter. CSK are currently placed at the bottom of the table with just 2 points in six matches.