IPL 2025: Who is Ayush Mhatre? Mumbai Prodigy set to join CSK as Ruturaj Gaikwad Replacement

Chennai Super Kings have roped in 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre as a replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season.

Ruturaj suffered an elbow injury in CSK's match against Rajasthan Royals and his injury is serious, ruling him out of the tournament. Amid this, Mhatre is set to join the franchise. The talented Mumbai teenager was called up for a trial recently and has now been picked as a replacement.

Who is Ayush Mhatre?

Born on July 16, 2007, in Mumbai, Ayush Mhatre has swiftly climbed the ranks in Indian cricket. A right-handed opening batter and occasional off-spinner, he made his first-class debut for Mumbai in October 2024 during the Irani Cup against the Rest of India. His domestic track record is already impressive.

First-Class: 9 matches, 504 runs at an average of 31.50, including two centuries, with a highest score of 176.

List A: 7 matches, 458 runs at an average of 65.42 and a strike rate exceeding 135, with two centuries to his name.

One of his standout performances came in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match where he smashed 181 off 117 balls - the highest score by a teenager in India's senior domestic one-day competitions.

India U-19 Credentials

Mhatre was a vital member of the India U-19 squad at the Asia Cup in 2024. He finished as the second-highest run-scorer for his team, tallying 176 runs across five innings at a strike rate of over 135 and an average of 44. His ability to hold innings together while scoring at a brisk pace was one of the hallmarks of his youth-level success.

The CSK Opportunity

Despite going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, Mhatre's consistent domestic exploits kept him on the radar of franchises. With Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out due to an elbow injury, CSK held mid-season trials, where Mhatre made an immediate impression. He is expected to link up with the squad ahead of their marquee clash against the Mumbai Indians on April 20.

For CSK, it's not just a like-for-like replacement in terms of playing style but also an investment in the future.

Playing Style and Outlook

Technically sound and temperamentally assured, Mhatre plays with a blend of flair and control. His game is built on timing and placement rather than brute power, which makes him ideally suited for the top order. Joining one of the IPL's most iconic franchises offers him a platform to learn, adapt, and potentially excel. If nurtured properly, Ayush Mhatre could well be the next breakout star in Indian cricket.