Young Mumbai batter Ayush Mhatre is set to join Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as Ruturaj Gaikwad’s replacement for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.

This development comes after Gaikwad was ruled out of the cash-rich tournament with a fractured elbow.

“He will join the squad in Mumbai in a couple of days,” a source close to CSK management told Cricbuzz.

Mhatre is touted as one of Mumbai’s brightest young prospects. In nine games he has played since his first-class debut last October, he has hit 504 runs, which includes two hundreds and a half-century.

In List A cricket too, Mhatre has been exceptional, amassing 458 runs in seven matches with two tons to his name. In domestic circles, many are of the opinion that the youngster has all the qualities in him to play for India in the future.

Ayush Mhatre, with a base price of Rs 30 lakh, failed to attract a bigger in the mega auction last November. Though he’s been asked to link-up with the CSK squad immediately, logistical factors mean that he’ll be joining the team in a few days’ time.

Before recruiting Mhatre, CSK held trials with some shortlisted players, such as Gujarat’s Urvil Patel, Kerala’s Salman Nizar, and even India outcast Prithvi Shaw. However, the franchise chose to sign the 17-year-old after being impressed by his potential.

After regular skipper Gaikwad’s exit, MS Dhoni returned to the leadership role for CSK. However, the legendary skipper failed to change team’s fortunes as the five-time champions lost to KKR at Chepauk on April 11.

Chennai Super Kings are currently languishing at the bottom of the 10-team points table. They will next face Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Monday (April 14).