Chennai Super Kings Eye 17-Year-Old Mumbai Opener Ayush Mhatre for IPL 2025 Mega Auction
Five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are reportedly targeting a promising young batter for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. The franchise has invited Mumbai’s 17-year-old opener Ayush Mhatre for a selection trial before the auction.
Mhatre has caught the attention of CSK’s talent scouts and none other than legendary India and CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The youngster has impressed with his performances for Mumbai in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.
In his first-class debut for Mumbai in the Irani Cup game against Rest of India, Mhatre opened the batting alongside Prithvi Shaw and scored 19 and 14 runs in the two innings respectively. In the Ranji Trophy, he has made 321 runs in five games at an average of 35.66, including one century and one half-century.
Mhatre’s impressive century came against Maharashtra, where he scored a brilliant 176. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed by CSK, who are keen on adding him to their squad for the next IPL season.
CSK Managing Director and CEO Kasi Viswanathan has requested the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to allow Mhatre to attend a trial at their CSKHPC Navalur grounds. The trial will take place after the end of the fifth round of the Ranji Trophy 2024 season (on November 16) and before the start of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
CSK will enter the mega auction with a purse of Rs 55 crore, having retained Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, and Dhoni. If they choose to buy Mhatre, the youngster could emerge as an option at the top of the order, alongside captain Gaikwad.
Mhatre’s inclusion in the CSK squad would add depth to their batting lineup and provide them with a long-term option for the opening slot. The youngster’s talent and potential have impressed Dhoni and the CSK management, and he could be a valuable addition to the franchise in the upcoming IPL season.
