Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are dealing with a growing injury list in the ongoing IPL season, forcing the management to rethink combinations. Key names like Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis remain unavailable, while Ayush Mhatre has already been ruled out. CSK recently brought in Akash Madhwal as a replacement, but a backup for Khaleel is still pending. In this situation, the franchise has invited 21-year-old Mumbai all-rounder Ayush Vartak for mid-season trials, underlining their focus on smart scouting and squad depth.
Ayush Vartak called for trials as CSK explore options
CSK have reportedly called Vartak to Chennai for assessment ahead of their upcoming clash with the Mumbai Indians. While there has been no official confirmation, sources indicate that the youngster was scheduled to join the camp earlier this week.
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The move has also been acknowledged by Ravichandran Ashwin, who praised CSK’s approach of identifying emerging players during the season to strengthen their future core.
Strong domestic numbers make Vartak a promising pick
Vartak has built an impressive record in domestic cricket. He grabbed headlines in 2020 with a 36-ball century for a Mumbai Indians junior side. In the 2024 CK Naidu Trophy, he scored over 750 runs in nine innings, including three centuries and three fifties, with a highest score of 192.
His form continued in the 2025 Under-23 State A Trophy, where he amassed 363 runs in six innings at an average of 72 and a strike rate of 173, smashing 26 sixes. He also finished as the highest wicket-taker in the Cooch Behar Trophy. His all-round ability makes him a strong candidate to fill CSK’s gap, both as a bowling option and a lower-order hitter.
