Perhaps it’s only fair to say that all’s not well for the famous Chennai Super Kings side. And it makes no sense to even undermine their current plight. The absence of a familiar future at #3 has perhaps only overcomplicated the plot - now hasn’t it? The unfortunate injury sustained by young and daring Ayush Mhatre has come in at a rather tricky time for his Chennai Super Kings franchise. With only a handful of games under his belt, Mhatre, the stylish right handed batter was looking all set and confident to create a big impact with the bat for the famous or shall we say legendary outfit. But then in the game of glorious uncertainties, it is the untimely injury that has further underlined the fact that cricket is indeed a game where nothing can be said for certain. After playing very recently a blazing knock of 30 that came off just 13 odd deliveries, Ayush Mhatre suffered an injury to his leg whilst playing and running and had to eventually face the uncertain fate of having his 2025 IPL journey cut short.

That means we must examine 3 other talents that could perhaps fit into the role that young Mhatre was playing. So let’s jump into the analysis then.

Urvil Patel

The big question for the moment for CSK to solve is - Can Urvil Patel be able to take up the job as the number 3 batter that can go out there and accelerate the rate of scoring? That is the dominant discussion of the moment and can certainly come to aid the Chennai Super Kings franchise at a point of time where they need someone to step up and take charge.

Patel, if can be said for certain, is currently seen as the most suitable talent that can step in as a handy replacement for the injured Mhatre.

A young gun for a young gun. Urvil Patel happens to be a wicketkeeper-batter who plays an attacking brand of cricket (much like that of Ayush Mhatre).

Having said that, what ought to be noted is that owing to his higher strike rates and ability to pack a punch, the crucial number #3 spot could very likely be filled by Patel in the light of the unfortunate injury sustained by Mhatre.

Kartik Sharma

Can the young 19-year-old who plays for Rajasthan in the middle order be the useful resource that the Chennai Super Kings can rely on, in order to have that sudden vacuum filled at the third position in their batting order given that Ayush Mhatre is no longer available?

Young, full of confidence, Kartik Sharma could also feature in as a useful option that could be factored into the dynamic CSK squad.

Here are two viable reasons why he could be played. For starters, Kartik Sharma plays a relatively confident, uncomplicated brand of cricket. Much like Mhatre. And second, his six hitting abilities is something that likened him to the attention of those who witnessed the recent Ranji and Vijay Hazare trophy.

For someone so young and not even properly out of his teens, Kartik Sharma would look at it as a brand new opportunity to flex his muscle and create an impact just when the opportunity arrives at the CSK.

Can the confident left-handed batter bring variety to the batting lineup? Sarfaraz Khan

Someone who is daring, confident and a go getter, perhaps sense also dictates for the CSK to draft Sarfaraz, already no stranger to the challenge of standing up for the team in pressure situations, to carry the enormous responsibility of scoring well at #3.

Why this could work is because the belligerent right hander hasn’t yet played at third but has plenty of experience already and along with it, the ability to switch gears during big match situations to factor resourcefully.

What’s more? Sarfaraz has already produced some useful scores and been batting as well as he always does so does promoting him up the order from the usual lower-order batting position merit some sense? That’s a riddle for CSK to solve.