CSK vs GT: 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre achieves a mighty milestone for CSK in IPL 2025 what legends couldn't in glitzy league's history

The 17-year-old Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Ayush Mhatre has made a stunning impact in his debut Indian Premier League (IPL) season, etching his name in the record books. The right-handed batting prodigy from Mumbai, concluded the IPL 2025 season with the highest strike rate for CSK in the glitzy league's history.

In their final league-stage match of IPL 2025 against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 25, the MS Dhoni-led side, currently at the bottom of the points table, got off to a blistering start thanks to Mhatre's quick runs.

Mhatre's explosive hitting saw him smash 28 runs off Arshad Khan's over, marking the fifth-most runs scored in a single over by a CSK batter in IPL history. However, his impactful knock was cut short in the fourth over when GT fast bowler Prasidh Krishna lured him with a fuller delivery. Mhatre mistimed his aggressive shot, sending the ball high into the air, where Mohammed Siraj completed a challenging catch under the scorching sun. Mhatre departed after scoring a rapid 34 runs off just 17 balls, including three fours and three sixes.

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With his performance, Ayush Mhatre set a new record for the highest strike rate in a single IPL season for the franchise, among players who faced a minimum of 100 balls. He surpassed previous record-holders Ajinkya Rahane, who achieved a strike rate of 172.50 in 2023, and Ravindra Jadeja. CSK batting coach Michael Hussey also features on this rare list.

CSK batters with highest strike rate in an IPL season (Min. 100 Balls):

Mhatre linked up with CSK midway through the IPL 2025 season as a replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad. Prior to this match, he had already amassed 206 runs across six innings at an impressive average of 34.33 and a blistering strike rate of 187.27, with a highest score of 94.

Talking about the match, MS Dhoni won the toss against GT and opted to bat first in CSK's final match of the season. The five-time champions made a single change to their lineup, bringing in Deepak Hooda to replace Ravichandran Ashwin.

Gujarat Titans also made one alteration, with Gerald Coetzee coming in for Kagiso Rabada. The Titans, who have already secured their spot in the playoffs, are aiming for a strong top-table finish. They are also looking to rebound after a recent loss to the Lucknow Super Giants.

CSK, who are out of the playoff race, are hoping to conclude their campaign on a positive note. At the end of the first innings, the MS Dhoni-led team posted a formidable total of 230 runs for the loss of five wickets. Dewald Brevis was a key contributor, scoring a rapid 57 runs off just 23 balls, including four boundaries and five sixes.