CSK Select Ayush Mhatre as Replacement for Injured Ruturaj Gaikwad
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have reportedly chosen Ayush Mhatre, a 17-year-old Mumbai batter, as the replacement for injured skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad in IPL 2025. Mhatre, who impressed CSK scouts during mid-season trials on April 4, will join the squad ahead of their April 20 clash against Mumbai Indians. The decision was finalized on April 13, following Gaikwad’s ruling out due to a fractured elbow sustained in the March 30 game against Rajasthan Royals.
Gaikwad played two more matches despite the injury but was ruled out after an MRI scan revealed the extent of the fracture. His absence has left CSK struggling, as they currently sit ninth in the points table with only one win in five matches. Head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that MS Dhoni would lead the side for the remainder of the tournament.
Mhatre is a promising young talent who bats at the top of the order for Mumbai in domestic cricket. He recently scored a stunning 148 off 93 balls in his last List A game and holds the record as the youngest player to score 150+ runs in List A cricket, surpassing Yashasvi Jaiswal. In November 2024, Mhatre earned a call-up to India’s U-19 squad for the U-19 Asia Cup.