17-year-old impresses MS Dhoni, CSK scouts ahead of IPL 2025 auction, know more

IPL 2025: CSK impressed by Ayush Mhatre. (Image: X)

IPL 2025 mega auction: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are reportedly targeting a 17-year-old batter named Ayush Mhatre in the IPL 2025 mega auction. As per several reports, CSK have even invited the player from Mumbai for selection trial before the auction, which is scheduled to be held on November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Mhatre made his first-class debut for Mumbai in the Irani Cup against Rest of India, in which he scored 33 runs both innings combined. The fifth-round of Ranji Trophy ends on November 16, which gives CSK eight days to take a final call.

A report in The Times of India stated that Mhatre impressed both CSK scouts and MS Dhoni. As a result, he has been called up for a trial following the end of the fifth-round of Ranji Trophy. In the five first-class matches Ayush has played so far, the right-handed batter amassed 321 runs an average of 35.66, which includes a standout knock of 176 runs against Maharashtra at the BKC ground.

Also Read - IPL 2025: James Anderson to play with MS Dhoni at CSK? Michael Vaughan predicts

Although Mhatre's numbers do not reflect the kind of hype he has generated the report stated that CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has requested Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to allow him to attend a trial at their HPC Navalur ground.

The franchise didn't fiddle much with its core and made five retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Ruturaj Gaikwad, the CSK skipper, got the highest amount, with his retention costing the franchise Rs 18 crore. Meanwhile, former skipper MS Dhoni was retained by the franchise for Rs 4 crore as an uncapped player.

Apart from the duo, CSK ensured star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja remain in their ranks, paying him the equal amount as Gaikwad. Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who has emerged as key player in the Yellow Army in recent years, was retained for Rs 13 crore. Shivam Dube was the fifth retention, costing the franchise Rs 12 crore.