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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have one slot open in the absence of an injured Khaleel Ahmed. They have already replaced Ayush Mhatre with Akash Madhwal. Now, they are looking for an impactful young batter for their lineup, especially after the comprehensive loss to Gujarat Titans (GT) at home. The five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions have called up 21-year-old Ayush Vartak. The youngster went unsold in the auction despite stellar performances in Under-23 State A Trophy 2025.
"Yes, Ayush has been called up for trials on Tuesday. He will reach Chennai on Monday night," a source told TOI.
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Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin confirmed the development as well. He also lauded CSK scouting team’s work to fine tune the squad mid-season.
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“CSK have been very diligent with their scouting during the season to build a good core for the future,” Ashwin wrote on X.
“Upgrading in between auctions through such smart recruitments and trades is the best way to realign squads.
“Young talented Ayush Vartak from Maharashtra.”
The young batter with big strides
The young Mumbai batting all-rounder has been rising through ranks. playing for MI's junior team in Kanga League, he scored a 36-ball century. A year before, he batted with a bleeding leg.
Years later, he led Mumbai's Under-23 team as captain for Col CK Nayudu Trophy's first phase of last season. He soon made it to Mumbai's Ranji Trophy probables but is yet to get his big break. But, he is taking big strides. In Men's State A Trophy 2025, he scored 363 runs from just six innings. He whacked 26 sixes, a tally only bettered by Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) Rs 2.6 crore recruit Mukul Choudhary. His notable contributions were 132, 92 not out 75. He scored most runs for Mumbai in the tournament.
In Col CK Nayudu Trophy 2024-26, he registered scores of 192, 102, 105, 77, 59 and 54, amassing 770 runs from nine games. Again, he was Mumbai's leading run-getter in the tournament. He was recognised by Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). The youngster received MCA's Under-23 Outstanding Performance Award for season 2024.
Vartak has also featured in trials for franchises MI, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Who will CSK face next?
CSK are currently placed sixth on the points table with three wins from eight games and a negative net run rate (NRR). Their next match is against MI on May 2 at home.
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