IPL 2025: Chennai Super Kings Invite India U19 Opener for Trials after Woeful start to the season

Amidst a sluggish start to their IPL 2025 campaign, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have extended an invitation to Mumbai's 17-year-old opener Ayush Mhatre for trials at Chepauk.

Mhatre, who represented India in the U19 Asia Cup 2025, was a standout performer in the group stage but faltered in the final against Bangladesh, where India finished as runners-up.

The young opener caught attention with a composed 67-run knock against the UAE and a crucial 34 in the semifinal against Sri Lanka before managing just a single run in the final. Despite going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction last November, his recent performances in domestic cricket have reignited interest from CSK's talent scouts.

Mhatre is currently part of the BCCI's zonal camp for U19 cricketers in Rajkot and traveled to Chennai for the trials. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the development, stating, "Yes, we've called him for trials. He has impressed our talent scouts." However, he clarified that there are no immediate plans for recruitment, saying, "It's just a trial. If there's a need, we'll consider it."

Mhatre has enjoyed a promising 2024-25 domestic season, particularly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he amassed 458 runs in seven matches at an average of 65.42, including two centuries and a fifty. In the Ranji Trophy, he scored 471 runs in eight matches at 33.64, with a top score of 176 against Maharashtra.

CSK have had a disappointing start to IPL 2025, winning just one of their first three matches and currently sitting seventh on the points table. Their batting unit has been inconsistent, raising concerns within the franchise. While no official injury replacements have been announced, Mhatre's call-up hints at CSK exploring backup options should the need arise mid-season.

Having previously been invited for trials by CSK ahead of the auction, Mhatre's latest opportunity could be a stepping stone to securing an IPL contract as a replacement player. Whether the five-time champions decide to bring him into the squad remains to be seen, but his call-up underscores CSK's continued search for fresh talent to bolster their lineup.