CSK Invite 17-Year-Old Ayush Mhatre for Mid-Season Trials as Top-Order Struggles Continue

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have reportedly invited 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre for a mid-season trial in the ongoing IPL 2025. The young Mumbai cricketer has been making waves in the domestic circuit after a stellar 2024, and his performances in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy have clearly caught the attention of CSK’s talent scouts.

Mhatre, who went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega-auction last November in Jeddah, now finds himself with an opportunity to potentially break into one of the league’s most successful franchises. While there’s no confirmation of an immediate signing, he could be brought in if CSK suffers a season-ending injury to one of their players. The left-handed batter was at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy’s zonal camp for U-19 players in Rajkot when he received the call from Chennai, prompting him to travel south for the trials. 

“Yes, we’ve called him for trials. He has impressed our talent scouts,” CSK’s managing director Kasi Viswanathan told The Times of India. However, he made it clear that the franchise isn't looking to sign anyone just yet. “No (injuries); if there is any need, we will do that. We are not picking anybody, it is just a trial.” Interestingly, this isn’t the first time CSK has had their eyes on Mhatre. The franchise had already invited him for trials in November, just before the IPL 2025 mega-auction. Despite that interest, he remained unsold, but his performances since then have only strengthened his case for an IPL call-up. 

Mhatre was last seen in action during Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha in Nagpur, where he had a quiet outing, scoring just 9 and 18 in his two innings. But those low scores don’t reflect his overall impact in the domestic season. He was Mumbai’s leading run-scorer in the 2024/25 Vijay Hazare Trophy. His journey in Mumbai’s senior setup began with an Irani Trophy debut in 2024, followed by a place in the Ranji Trophy starting XI. His performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy were particularly eye-catching, where he registered two centuries and a fifty. He also struck two centuries in the Ranji Trophy. 

At just 17, Mhatre has already built an impressive record in List A cricket, averaging over 65. His ability to play long innings with composure has made him a player to watch, and CSK’s trial invitation suggests they see potential in him as a future star. Chennai’s interest in Mhatre also comes at a time when their top order is struggling in IPL 2025. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been moved to number three, while openers Rachin Ravindra and Rahul Tripathi have yet to click as a pair. Many fans have been calling for Devon Conway’s return to the batting lineup, hoping for more solidity at the top. 

CSK’s start to the season has been far from ideal. With just one win and two losses in their first three games, they currently sit seventh on the points table. While Mhatre’s inclusion in the squad isn’t certain, his presence at the trials suggests that Chennai is keeping an eye on young talents who could provide a spark if needed. However, IPL regulations prevent franchises from signing players after the season has started unless there’s an injury or a player leaves the squad. That means Mhatre can only join the team if CSK loses someone to injury. But whether he gets a contract this season or not, one thing is clear – Ayush Mhatre is a name to remember, and his IPL debut might not be too far away. 

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