Struggling CSK call 17-year-old batting sensation for trials mid IPL 2025

IPL 2025, CSK complete schedule: Check Chennai Super Kings matches, date, timings, and venue (IPL/File Photo)

In what might be a game-changer for Ayush Mhatre and the Chennai Super Kings, the team has called up the 17-year-old Mumbai opener for a mid-season trial. For the current IPL 2025 season, Mhatre might be added to the CSK squad at the last minute if he is successful.

Mhatre can only be brought in as a replacement in the event that a registered CSK player was hurt or unavailable, as he went unsold at the Jeddah mega auction last year.

“Yes, we’ve called him for trials. He has impressed our talent scouts. No (injuries); if there is any need, we will do that. We are not picking anybody, it is just a trial,” CSK managing director Kasi Viswanathan informed The Times of India.

Prior to the IPL mega auction in November, the opener was also summoned to report for trials. Mhatre most recently played in February in Mumbai's match against Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy semi-final in Nagpur, where he scored nine and eighteen runs in each innings.

With 471 runs in eight games, Mhatre was Mumbai's fourth-highest run scorer during the Ranji Trophy campaign. He also hit two tons.

In a group match at the Vijay Hazare Trophy in January, Mhatre stole the show with a game-winning century against Saurashtra. He also his team’s highest run-scorer in the competition with 458 runs in seven games at an average of 65.42.

CSK's start to the IPL 2025 season has been inconsistent.  With one victory and two losses, they are presently ranked seventh in the rankings.

The team led by Ruturaj Gaikwad has lacked a cutting edge at the top of the order.

Rahul Tripathi, Gaikwad, and Rachin Ravindra haven't clicked as CSK's top-order hitters, but adding someone like Mhatre could give the team new life. However, CSK has not disclosed whether any players have sustained injuries or would be sidelined halfway through the current campaign.