Chennai Super Kings do a mid-season damage control, opt for a wild option to win

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have sparked intense speculation about a potential last-minute addition to their squad amid their struggles in the ongoing IPL 2025. Actually, Chennai Super Kings has called Mumbai’s 17-year-old opener Ayush Mhatre for trials at the iconic Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.

This unexpected move has sparked curiosity among the fans, especially since Ayush Mhatre went unsold during the IPL 2025 mega auction last year, and Rahul Tripathi’s horrific run as the opener of the Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing season.

17-year-old Ayush Mhatre called for trials by CSK amid top-order crisis

Mhatre had to quickly make his way to Chennai after receiving the call from Chennai Super Kings, as the youngster was attending the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy zonal camp for Under-19 cricketers in Rajkot.

However, he can't join the team directly, but he could step in as a replacement player if any existing member is ruled out due to injury or unavailability.

Chennai Super Kings MD & CEO Kasi Viswanathan was quoted as saying by Times of India: “Yes, we’ve called him for trials. He has impressed our talent scouts. No (on injuries), if there’s any need, we’ll do that. We’re not picking anybody, it’s just a trial.”

Mhatre's consistent performances at the junior level caught the attention of CSK’s talent scouts. However, the franchise has downplayed the speculation, calling it just a trial and clarifying that no injuries have been reported within the squad so far in the ongoing season.

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Will Ayush Mhatre’s second trial with Chennai Super Kings change his fortune?

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time CSK has shown interest in Mhatre. The franchise had previously called the Mumbai star for trials just before the IPL 2025 mega auction. Mhatre has caught the attention of CSK’s top management and talent scouts.

The talented youngster had a stellar debut season for Mumbai in 2024-25. He smashed 458 runs in seven matches at an average of 65.42, including two centuries and a fifty in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, Mhatre scored 471 runs in eight matches at an average of 33.64, with two centuries and a top score of 176 against Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings are facing a top-order crisis in IPL 2025, with Ruturaj Gaikwad moving to the number three spot. Openers Rachin Ravindra and Rahul Tripathi have struggled to form a solid partnership, sparking calls to bring Devon Conway into the lineup.

Chennai is desperate for a turnaround in the IPL 2025

With just one win and two losses in three matches, CSK dropped to seventh on the points table. Bringing in young talent like Ayush Mhatre could add much-needed fresh energy to the squad to come out of the tough phase in the ongoing tournament.

The franchise is also facing a lot of flak due to MS Dhoni’s batting position. Unfortunately, Dhoni's knees do not seem to be well; that was expected after the surgery last year. Even CSK's head coach, Stephen Fleming, clarified that only Dhoni can take the call on his batting position this season.

After suffering a narrow 6-run defeat against the Rajasthan Royals in their last IPL 2025 game, CSK will next face Delhi Capitals on April 5 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, and they will be eager to return to winning ways at their home ground.

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