Mon Apr 14 16:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Super Kings Tap 17-Year-Old to Replace Injured Gaikwad
**Lucknow, India** – The struggling Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have found a replacement for their injured captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad. The five-time IPL champions announced that 17-year-old Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre will fill the void left by Gaikwad, who was ruled out of IPL 2025 with a hairline elbow fracture.
Mhatre, a rising star in Mumbai cricket, impressed CSK scouts during trials in Chennai. His impressive first-class record (504 runs in 9 matches, including two half-centuries and one century) and List-A record (458 runs in seven matches, including two centuries) sealed the deal. While he won’t be available for CSK’s upcoming match against the Lucknow Super Giants, he is expected to join the squad in time for their crucial fixture against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on April 20th.
The news comes as CSK languishes at the bottom of the points table, following a disappointing start to the season. Their batting lineup, featuring players like Rahul Tripathi, Devon Conway, and Shivam Dube, has significantly underperformed. Head coach Stephen Fleming acknowledged the team’s struggles, emphasizing the need for a balance between power hitting and skillful batting. The team is hoping Mhatre can provide a boost to their flagging offense.
With Gaikwad out, MS Dhoni has resumed captaincy duties, but his return hasn’t yielded immediate success. CSK suffered a crushing eight-wicket defeat against the Kolkata Knight Riders in their last match. All eyes will be on Mhatre to see if he can help turn the tide for the struggling franchise.
First Piper 