CSK Calls 17-year-Old For Selection Trials Ahead Of IPL Auction After Batter Leaves MS Dhoni Impressed - Report

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could target 17-year-old Mumbai batter Ayush Mhatre to open alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad in IPL 2025. As per reports, Ayush was invited by the franchise for a selection trial after he left former captain MS Dhoni impressed. Dhoni has shaped the careers of many great cricketers and it should be no less than a dream come true moment for Ayush. The fifth round of the Ranji Trophy ends on November 16, giving CSK eight days to evaluate Mhatre if he comes for the trial.Mhatre made his first-class debut for Mumbai in the Irani Cup game against Rest of India in October. Opening the batting alongside Prithvi Shaw, Mhatre scored 19 and 14 runs in the two innings respectively. So far, the young batsman has scored 321 runs in five games at an average of 35.66, slamming one ton and one half-century, including a magnificent knock of 176 against Maharashtra. The reports state that CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has requested the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to allow Mhatre to attend a trial at their CSKHPC Navalur grounds.CSK retained Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube and MS Dhoni ahead of the auction. The franchise will enter the auction with a purse of 55 crore. Meanwhile, there were doubts about MS Dhoni's participation in the league, but the franchise retained him for INR 4 crore as uncapped player. Kasi Viswanathan opened up on MS Dhoni's future and said the doors of the franchise are open for him as long as he wants to play. He also revealed that Dhoni told him he would play his last game in Chennai. “As far as Mahi bhai is concerned, you know he keeps everything to himself. It comes out at the last moment only. Knowing the passion he has for CSK, and also knowing the following he has, and he also mentioned in one of the interviews that he’ll play his last game in Chennai, we’re hoping that he will continue as far as CSK is concerned," Viswanathan told Rayudu on Provoke TV.“As long as MS wants to play, the doors are open. Knowing him, his commitment, and his dedication, I’m sure he’ll always make the right decision," he added.