IPL: Ayush Mhatre’s emergence offers CSK a timely silver lining in a misfired season

Ayush Mhatre smashed 94 off 48 balls against RCB (BCCI Photo)

Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2025 campaign hasn’t panned out the way they envisioned. The team’s auction strategy, intended to set them up for both the present and future, has drawn internal criticism. Head coach Stephen Fleming recently admitted that the mega auction “didn’t come off”, while MS Dhoni had earlier underlined the importance of assembling a stronger combination with an eye on the next cycle. In the midst of this turbulence, the late emergence of 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre has injected a dose of optimism that the franchise desperately needed.

A Spark of Youthful Aggression

Mhatre, brought in as an injury replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad, was an unknown quantity — even going unsold at the mega auction before CSK picked him up at his base price of INR 30 lakh. Yet, he has shown remarkable poise, maturity and fearless strokeplay in his first four innings: 32 (15) vs MI, 30 (19) vs SRH, 7 (6) vs PBKS, and a match-turning 94 (48) against RCB. His intent, particularly in the powerplay, has been a breath of fresh air for a batting unit that had looked sluggish and one-dimensional.

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Signs of Momentum and Change

While CSK’s season hasn’t flipped dramatically, subtle changes have begun to take shape. In their first seven matches, CSK crossed the 175-run mark just twice. Since Mhatre’s inclusion, they’ve gone past 175 in three of their last four games. His presence — along with fellow youngster Shaik Rasheed — has visibly shifted the team’s tempo. There’s more urgency, more risk-taking, and crucially, a growing belief that a new core is being forged. That shift in momentum, even if modest, is a positive sign that CSK can take forward.

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A Rebuild Worth Investing In

CSK have long been defined by its loyalty to experience, but Mhatre’s rise hints at a philosophical shift. He’s not just performing; he’s also aligning with Dhoni and Fleming’s broader goal of future-proofing the side. The southpaw represents a rare find — a player who wasn’t part of the original plan but may become central to the next one. He offers the franchise a unique opportunity to rebuild around young, fearless talent without compromising on impact.

While it’s early days, Ayush Mhatre has given CSK fans something they’ve longed for this season — a reason to look ahead with genuine hope. In a campaign defined by missed calls, Mhatre might just be the one CSK got right.