How Has 17-Year-Old Ayush Mhatre Become Face Of CSK's Bold New Approach In IPL?

Debashis Sarangi

Ayush Mhatre in action [Source: AP]Ayush Mhatre in action [Source: AP]

The IPL 2025 season has been a forgettable one for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The five-time champions have been a pale shadow of themselves, reeling at tenth in the IPL 2025 points table. 

From Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury to the underwhelming performance of several first-choice players, plenty of things have gone wrong for CSK in this IPL. However, among several disappointments, youngster Ayush Mhatre has emerged as one of their biggest positives in the tournament. 

Ayush Mhatre's Aggression And Consistency Redefine Powerplay Batting

Criterion
Data
Balls faced53
Runs scored100
Dismissals2
Average50
Strike Rate188.7
Balls per boundary2.78
Dot percentage30.2

(Ayush Mhatre's numbers in powerplay in IPL 2025)

  • As evidenced by the above stats, Ayush Mhatre has been a revelation for CSK, taking Powerplay batting to a whole new level. The 17-year-old has scored 100 out of his 163 runs in the first six overs, hitting 16 fours and three sixes in the initial phase. 
  • Most importantly, he has taken less than three balls to hit a boundary in the powerplay, showcasing his aggressive intent that has shaped CSK's batting in the first six overs. 
  • His strike rate of 188.7 is the second best among all batters with a minimum 100 runs in the powerplay this season, with Priyansh Arya leading the chart with a whopping scoring rate of 193.08. 

CSK's Contrasting Powerplay Performances With And Without Ayush Mhatre

Criterion
Without Mhatre
With Mhatre
Runs323204
Wickets119
Average
29.3622.67
Run Rate
7.69
8.5
Balls Per Boundary5.254.5
  • Ayush Mhatre's inclusion has certainly boosted CSK's overall performance as a unit in the powerplay. Statistically, CSK have recorded a run rate of 8.5 in the four matches that Mhatre has played, while scoring at a much lesser rate of 7.69 in his absence in the first seven matches. 
  • Although the Super Kings have averaged less in the powerplay in their last four matches, Mhatre's presence has ensured more dynamism in their approach. 
  • In a broader sense, it signifies a shift in CSK's thought process after receiving a lot of flak for their conservative batting approach in the IPL. 

Ayush Mhatre: A Superstar In Making?

In a team full of veteran workhorses, a 17-year-old prodigy has become the flag-bearer of aggression. It certainly shows the direction in which the IPL, as a whole competition, is progressing. 

It has proved that Ayush Mhatre and youngsters like him are ready to take over, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni - the three biggest IPL icons- being at the twilight of their respective careers. If CSK will retain him or not is a different debate; but what he has achieved at such a young age deserves acknowledgement and appreciation.