
Credit: IPL
Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who played cricket together in Under-19 Asia Cup 2024, are hitting the headlines for their impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Ayush, who won a spot in CSK after captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury, has done a fine job for the Yellow Army as an opener. In five games, he has notched up 163 runs at a stupendous strike rate of 181.11. In the losing cause against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 3, the right-handed batter showcased his batting potential and notched up 98 off 44.
Recently, Ayush recalled his experience of becoming part of Chennai mid-season. He revealed how he was informed about his selection by a CSK official in the squad but told to keep it secret until the franchise comes up with the announcement. “I was at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) camp in Rajkot. I got a call from AR Srikkanth (CSK's head talent scout), sir. Don't tell anyone; we are looking for you. It is not official yet. But we are telling you to be mentally ready. It will be made official in the evening. I was very excited, and I called my dad, who was very calm. I haven't told my mother yet. I called her only after the official announcement,” said Mhatre in a video released by CSK on X.
CSK to host Rajasthan Royals on May 20
After the resumption of IPL 2025, Chennai will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on May 20. Both teams are already out of playoffs contention but they will look to win their remaining games to conclude their campaigns on a positive note.
In the match between both teams, Mhatre and Suryavanshi will be seen against each other for the first time in the league. Talking about Suryavanshi’s batting numbers, he has scored 155 runs in five games at a strike rate of 209.45.