The Indian Premier League (IPL) is indeed a significant platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent and gain exposure at an international level. Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has served as a launching pad for many young players, allowing them to share the field with seasoned international stars and perform under high-pressure situations. Now, a 17-year-old youngster from Mumbai, Ayush Mhatre has caught the eyes of MS Dhoni and the CSK (Chennai Super Kings) scouts during his short domestic stint. He might well be in contention for the CSK in IPL 2025 and is asked to be present in the CSK trials.
Today, we will see who is Ayush Mhatre who impressed MS Dhoni and will he come to the CSK team for the IPL 2025. So let’s start.
Ayush Mhatre – A young cricketer from Mumbai
Ayush Mhatre is a 17-year-old young cricketer from Mumbai. He made his first-class debut on October 01, 2024, for Mumbai in the Irani Cup against the Rest of India in Lucknow. Mhatre’s cricket journey has been inspiring. He used to travel 80 kilometers daily from Virar to Mumbai for practice sessions, demonstrating his dedication from a young age.
Ayush Mhatre is a 17-year-old emerging cricketer from Mumbai who has gained attention for his impressive performances. He made headlines during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season by scoring a remarkable maiden first-class century, helping Mumbai establish a commanding position against Maharashtra.
Batting with maturity, Mhatre hit 176 not out off 232 balls, displaying a mix of patience and aggression, which included 17 boundaries and three sixes. His solid innings came when Mumbai faced early setbacks, and he partnered effectively with experienced teammates like Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer to stabilize and strengthen the team’s innings.
He also scored a half-century on his Ranji Trophy debut against Baroda. Overall, Ayush Mhatre has scored 321 runs in 9 innings of the 5 first-class matches with an average of 35.66 and a strike rate of 71.81.
Mhatre caught the eyes of MS Dhoni
Ayush Mhatre has impressed former CSK captain MS Dhoni and the CSK scouts with his performances. He has been asked to be present in the CSK selection trials between November 16 and 23. There is a six-day break between the Ranji Trophy’s 5th round and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), so his domestic cricket commitment won’t be disrupted.
The Times of India reported that CSK’s CEO, Kasi Viswanath, directly emailed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) secretary, Abhay Hadap to request Ayush Mhatre’s participation in trials in Jeddah, where the IPL 2025 mega auction is set to take place.
Will Mhatre play for CSK in IPL 2025?
There is a strong possibility for this happening. Mhatre has impressed MS Dhoni and the CSK scouts and if he does well in the trials, CSK will definitely go for him in the auction. Although Ruturaj Gaikwad is now a captain of the franchise, MS Dhoni has his say on the selection.
We all know that MS Dhoni always looks for a reliable youngster who can handle the pressure situation. In the past as well, we have seen him backing youngsters like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sameer Rizvi, M Pathirana, etc. Mhatre is an example of the young, driven, and technically proficient player that CSK and Dhoni constantly seek out.
CSK would be a perfect place for Mhatre in the shadows of MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni is well-known for nurturing and backing young talent in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Throughout his tenure, Dhoni has consistently provided opportunities to emerging players, giving them the confidence to perform under pressure. His belief in youngsters has often paid off, with several players crediting him for their development and success.
For instance, players like Deepak Chahar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Tushar Deshpande have benefited significantly from Dhoni’s support and guidance. He encourages young cricketers to learn from their mistakes and focuses on developing their potential, trusting them in critical match situations. This approach not only boosts their morale but also prepares them for future challenges in both domestic and international cricket.
In that case, CSK would be a perfect place for Ayush Mhatre, in the shadows of MS Dhoni. He will learn a lot of new things which will help him in his professional cricket career. Dhoni’s leadership style emphasizes giving young players the freedom to express themselves while also mentoring them to refine their skills and decision-making on the field.
↻ Three Teams That Could Target KL Rahul In IPL 2025 Auction
Conclusion
So this is the latest update from the CSK camp. It will be a fairytale for Ayush Mhatre if CSK picks him for the IPL 2025. So many youngsters look to play with MS Dhoni in the IPL and want to learn from him. Let’s see if Mhatre gets this opportunity or not.
What do you think? Will CSK go for the youngster in the IPL 2025 auction? Comment your prediction and opinion below. Thank you for reading the article. We hope you find it informative. Keep following us for the latest sports-related updates.
FAQs:-
(1) When will the IPL 2025 mega auction take place and where?
The IPL 2025 mega auction will happen on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
(2) How many players CSK has retained before the auction?
CSK has retained 5 players before the IPL 2025 auction. They have retained Ruturaj Gaikwad, M Pathirana, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, and MS Dhoni.
(3) Will CSK go for Faf du Plessis in the IPL 2025 auction?
There is no official statement from the CSK about bringing back Faf du Plessis. As of now, it looks unlikely that CSK would go for the South African in the auction.
(4) How much amount of purse CSK are left with for the 2025 auction?
CSK has a purse of INR 55 crore for the IPL auction 2025.
