The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), currently facing challenges, have identified a replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad. The captain of the five-time champions has been sidelined from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to a hairline fracture in his elbow. Following the news of Gaikwad's injury, speculation arose about the franchise potentially recruiting Prithvi Shaw, who went unsold during the IPL mega auction, leading to increased rumors.

However, the team, which is presently at the bottom of the points table, has opted for a 17-year-old talent as Gaikwad's substitute.

CSK has chosen Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre to fill the void left by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Sources familiar with the situation have informed Hindustan Times that Mhatre will join the CSK squad for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season.

Due to time constraints, Ayush Mhatre will not be able to travel to Lucknow for CSK's upcoming match against the Lucknow Super Giants. Nevertheless, he will be available for selection for the highly anticipated game against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on April 20, 2025.

"Indeed, Ayush Mhatre has been selected as Ruturaj Gaikwad's replacement. He has been instructed to join the squad and will be eligible for the April 20 match against the Mumbai Indians," confirmed the source.

Previously, the CSK management had invited Mhatre to Chennai for trials, where he made a positive impression on the support staff, leading to his confirmation as the replacement.

For those unfamiliar, Mhatre is well-regarded in Mumbai's cricketing community. He has accumulated 504 runs in nine first-class matches, which includes two half-centuries and one fifty. Additionally, he has scored 458 runs in seven List-A matches, featuring two centuries. He made his first-class cricket debut in October 2024.

MS Dhoni leading CSK

When  Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out for the IPL 2025 season, and CSK head coach Stephen Fleming announced that "uncapped player" MS Dhoni will take over as captain for the remainder of the tournament. However, Dhoni's return to the captaincy did not begin favorably, as CSK suffered a significant defeat, losing by eight wickets to the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

CSK could only post a total of 103 runs for 9 wickets in their twenty overs, a target that KKR successfully chased down with eight wickets remaining. This season, one of the most successful franchises in IPL history has struggled, particularly in their batting performance.

Key players such as Rahul Tripathi, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Shivam Dube have not delivered strong performances with the bat, which has contributed significantly to CSK's difficulties.

In anticipation of the upcoming match against Lucknow Super Giants, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming commented on the batting issues, stating, "While there is a fascination with power hitting and sixes, some teams are succeeding through skillful play. It would be disappointing if we reduced the game to merely a competition of home runs and boundary hits."

He emphasized, "The essence of the game lies in maintaining a balance between bat and ball. Conditions are crucial, yet there remains an opportunity for skillful play. We continue to witness top-tier players making significant contributions even when conditions are not ideal, and I hope this balance persists," he remarked during a pre-match press conference.

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