IPL 2025: Is Ayush Mhatre the Best Discovery for CSK as Rayudu Claims?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ayush Mhatre showcased exceptional skill and maturity at a young age.
- He became the third-youngest player to score a fifty in IPL.
- His performance gives CSK hope for a strong future.
- Rayudu believes Mhatre is a key player for CSK moving forward.
- Mhatre's entry into CSK was due to Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury.
Bengaluru, May 4 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu hailed the 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre as CSK's greatest discovery, praising the young talent for his remarkable display of maturity and temperament during his sensational 94-run performance in Chennai Super Kings' narrow two-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Mhatre scored an astonishing 94 runs off just 48 balls against RCB, becoming the third-youngest player to achieve a fifty in the IPL at the age of 17 years and 292 days. He formed a crucial partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, contributing to a 114-run stand for the third wicket following a solid opening partnership worth 51 runs with Shaik Rasheed while chasing a target of 214 runs. Unfortunately, his brilliant innings fell short as CSK finished just two runs behind the target.
"He is the standout performer—along with Brevis. They have truly demonstrated their capabilities. Particularly Mhatre's performance was exceptional; he didn't overhit the ball. He struck several sixes and numerous boundaries, showcasing timing, power, and finesse. He displayed the necessary maturity and temperament to succeed at this level. I believe he is an outstanding find for CSK, and they will be extremely pleased with his performance tonight.
"This will instill a lot of confidence in them moving into the next season. He has scored runs all around the ground. Looking forward, I believe he is a key player for CSK. If they can build a robust batting lineup around him, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Dewald Brevis, they are well-positioned for next year," Rayudu stated on JioHotstar.
The young talent joined CSK as a replacement for captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was sidelined due to an elbow injury after five matches this season. Mhatre made his T20 debut against the Mumbai Indians (MI), scoring 32 runs off 15 balls, and followed it up with a quickfire 30 off 19 deliveries in a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra referred to the teenage batter as a wild card entry in CSK’s lineup and commended him for seizing the opportunity. "The IPL is, in my opinion, the biggest reality show in the world. And in every reality show, there is a wild card entry. Ayush is that wild card. He came in because of Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury. Shaik Rasheed was their initial choice. Ayush Mhatre has been around but wasn't picked, and then he gets a wild card entry and really excelled," Chopra remarked.