CSK Sign 17-Year-Old Ayush Mhatre as Replacement for Injured Ruturaj Gaikwad

Chennai Super Kings have made a bold call as they look to turn their season around. With Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of IPL 2025 due to a hairline fracture in his elbow, CSK have chosen 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre as his replacement.

There was plenty of speculation swirling after Gaikwad’s injury, with many fans expecting CSK to rope in Prithvi Shaw, who went unsold in the IPL mega auction. But the franchise has gone in a completely different direction, backing youth over experience. “Yes, Ayush Mhatre has been identified as the replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad. He has been asked to link up with the squad. He will be available for selection for the April 20 fixture against Mumbai Indians,” a source close to the team confirmed. Mhatre, who has already shown glimpses of his potential in the domestic circuit, won’t be able to join the team in time for their next game against Lucknow Super Giants. But he’ll be available for CSK’s high-profile clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede on 20th April. 

The 17-year-old Mumbai batter has been making waves quietly. In first-class cricket, he has two centuries and a fifty to his name from just nine matches. In List A cricket, he’s played seven games, including a standout 181 against Nagaland. Known for converting starts into big scores, Mhatre’s 148 against Saurashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was another knock that turned heads. Mhatre was also part of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad for the 2024-25 season, but had to make way when India skipper Rohit Sharma returned to domestic cricket. After being benched, he even shared a selfie with Rohit Sharma — a player he’s long admired. 

Interestingly, Mhatre had already spent time with the CSK setup earlier this year. He was invited for trials in Chennai, where he reportedly impressed the coaching staff enough to be kept on their radar. Now, with Gaikwad ruled out, the franchise is giving the youngster his big break. And with CSK in desperate need of a turnaround, all eyes will be on whether this teenage prodigy can rise to the occasion.