CSK have decided to bring in 17-year-old Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre as the replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad.
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CSK Appoint Ayush Mhatre as Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Replacement for IPL 2025
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), struggling at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table, have found their replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad. The CSK skipper was ruled out of the tournament due to a hairline fracture on his elbow, sparking speculation about potential replacements. Among the rumors was the possibility of Prithvi Shaw being called up, after he went unsold in the IPL mega auction. However, CSK has decided to bring in 17-year-old Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre as Gaikwad’s replacement.
Mhatre will join the CSK squad for the remainder of IPL 2025, though he won’t be available for the upcoming match against Lucknow Super Giants. He is expected to be available for selection for the marquee match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on April 20, 2025.
A source confirmed, “Yes, Ayush Mhatre has been identified as the replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad. He has been asked to link up with the squad and will be available for the April 20 fixture against Mumbai Indians.”
Earlier, Mhatre impressed CSK’s support staff during trials in Chennai, which led to his selection. The Mumbai youngster is highly regarded in domestic cricket circles, having scored 504 runs in 9 first-class matches, including two half-centuries and one fifty. He also has 458 runs in seven List-A matches, including two centuries, and made his debut in first-class cricket in October 2024.
MS Dhoni leading CSK
After Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the IPL 2025 season, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that “uncapped player” MS Dhoni would take over the captaincy for the remainder of the tournament. However, Dhoni’s return to leadership didn’t go as planned, with CSK suffering a heavy eight-wicket defeat to defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. CSK could only manage 103/9 in their allotted 20 overs, a target comfortably chased down by KKR with eight wickets in hand.
The five-time champions have struggled this season, with the batting department failing to deliver. Key players like Rahul Tripathi, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Shivam Dube have all underperformed, contributing to CSK’s lackluster showing.
Ahead of their match against Lucknow Super Giants, Fleming addressed the team’s batting woes, emphasizing the importance of skill and craft in the game. “I know there’s a fascination with power and six hitting, but there’s also a couple of teams doing well with good craft,” Fleming said. “I’d be very sad if the day came to us just being in a baseball competition and talking about sixes and fours. The beauty of the game is that there’s still balance between bat and ball. Conditions play a big part, but there’s still room for craft, and you’re still seeing top-class players playing pivotal innings when it’s not flat like a road, and I just hope the balance can remain,” he concluded at a pre-match press conference.