In the new season of the Indian Premier League, beginning on 22 March 2025, Chennai Super Kings’ performance has been average, with the team currently in the bottom position. With Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury, the situation has become tougher for the team. He has suffered from a hairline fracture, and reports suggest that the 17-year-old player from Mumbai will replace him in the match on 20 April.
In a post on social media, Gaikwad, 28, shared about his injury and the news of his unavailability for the team in the rest of the matches. He thanked his team for the support and expressed sorrow for missing the match.
Ayush Mhatre was chosen by the team due to his batting skills and his impressive performance in the domestic series. In his recent first-class matches, he scored 504 runs in nine games with two centuries and one 50. Many more players gave trials for replacing Gaikwad, but Ayush stood out and got the chance.
A source stated that the team was eager for his joining as soon as possible, but due to formalities, he cannot join before the match with Mumbai Indians scheduled for 20th April in Wankhede Stadium.
In the last match with the Kolkata Knight Riders, despite the captaincy of MS Dhoni, after Ruturaj stepped out due to an elbow fracture, CSK faced defeat at the hands of the defending champions. After the defeat, former captain Dhoni came to the rescue of the team only after their victory in the 2023 IPL innings.
CSK managed to get 103/9 in the twenty overs, which was easily chased by KKR with eight wickets still left. At this crucial juncture, when the team is lagging in its efforts and is going further away from victory, this unprecedented decision, whether favourable or not, will be judged in the match on 20th April. In the game, opposite to KKR Mhatre, who is a well-known name in Mumbai cricket circles, will play his first match.
