Ayush Mhatre Replaces Injured Ruturaj Gaikwad at CSK, R Smaran Joins SRH as Adam Zampa’s Replacement in IPL 2025
In a significant development ahead of the IPL 2025 season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have roped in 17-year-old Mumbai batting sensation Ayush Mhatre as a replacement for the injured skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. The promising young opener has been signed for INR 30 lakh and is expected to bring a fresh wave of energy to the CSK camp. Despite being uncapped in T20 cricket, Mhatre has already made a strong impression in List A and first-class formats, making him one of the most exciting young prospects in Indian cricket.
Mhatre has been turning heads with his fearless batting approach and consistency. In just seven List A matches, he has amassed 458 runs at a stunning average of 65.42 and a blazing strike rate of 135.50. His two centuries in the format include a remarkable 117-ball 181 against Nagaland, which featured 15 fours and 11 sixes, and a 93-ball 148 against a strong Saurashtra bowling attack, peppered with 13 fours and nine sixes. He also etched his name in the record books by becoming the youngest player to score over 150 runs in men’s senior List A cricket, surpassing the record previously held by Yashasvi Jaiswal. Adding to his versatility, Mhatre bowls handy offspin and has taken seven wickets in just four innings in List A cricket.
His cricketing journey includes playing for the India Under-19 team in three matches during the 2024 Asia Cup. However, it was his first-class debut that put him on the national radar, when he scored an impressive 176 against Maharashtra in the prestigious Irani Cup — a team led by none other than Ruturaj Gaikwad himself. Across nine first-class matches, Mhatre has scored 504 runs, including two centuries, at an average of 31.50. His fearless, aggressive style of play fits well with CSK’s brand of cricket, something that was highlighted by bowling consultant Eric Simons, who praised the youngster’s confident net sessions and ability to adapt to CSK’s ethos of playing freely and with intent.
With Gaikwad sidelined due to an elbow injury after captaining CSK in the first five matches — of which the team could only win one — legendary captain MS Dhoni has taken over leadership duties once again. The addition of Mhatre could be a turning point for the five-time champions as they look to revive their campaign and return to winning ways in the second half of the season.
Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have also made a notable change to their squad. With Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a shoulder injury, SRH have drafted in Karnataka’s emerging batter R Smaran as his replacement at a base price of INR 30 lakh. Zampa, who featured in only two matches this season, had a relatively quiet outing, picking up two wickets for 94 runs across eight overs. One of those appearances came in the high-scoring thriller between SRH and Rajasthan Royals that saw an aggregate of 528 runs.
Smaran, aged 21, was one of the standout performers in the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 433 runs in seven innings at a striking average of 72.16 and a healthy strike rate of over 100. He was instrumental in Karnataka’s title win, playing a match-winning knock of 101 off 92 balls in the final. In the T20 format, Smaran has already shown signs of brilliance, scoring 170 runs in six games at an explosive strike rate of 170.00. His recent performances in the DY Patil tournament in Mumbai further boosted his credentials, making him a suitable candidate to strengthen SRH’s batting unit.
With Ayush Mhatre joining CSK and R Smaran stepping in at SRH, the IPL 2025 season is witnessing a refreshing influx of young Indian talent. Both franchises are placing their faith in the next generation of cricketers, hoping that their fearless attitude and recent domestic form will translate into impactful performances on the biggest stage.
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