5 IPL sides are running after Ayush Mhatre [Source: AFP]The IPL 2027 season is still months away, but the buzz has already started, and all ten teams have set their sights on the coveted IPL trophy. While some teams have a settled squad, others need quality players, and trade discussions have already taken place regarding the same.One player who has been in high demand is CSK’s star boy, Ayush Mhatre. The batter has been an integral member of the Super Kings, and as a result, several IPL franchises have kept a tab on him.In the latest report, five IPL sides are interested in acquiring his services (Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Mumbai Indians).However, Mhatre, being a top-order batter, would only fit in certain teams, and in this article, we take a look at which of the five IPL teams can perfectly slot in Mhatre in their playing XI.Why is Ayush Mhatre in high demand?A hard-hitting batter with an ability to score runs at a rapid pace, Mhatre is an exceptional talent, and at just 19, he has become an integral member of the CSK team.In just 13 IPL games, he has scored 441 runs, with a strike rate of 183.75, which showcases his explosiveness. Several teams need such a high-quality top-order batter, and that is why Mhatre is in high demand.Moreover, Mhatre has the ability to up his ante against the best teams, and he has been a genuine match-winner in the IPL.Which team will Ayush Mhatre be best fit in, if traded?In this section, we'll analyse how the top order of all teams fare, and where can Mhatre go if traded.Also Read: IPL Teams That Can Target Sonny Baker In Mini Auction 2027Mumbai IndiansCurrently, the Mumbai Indians' top three include Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, and one of Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma. Interestingly, there is a case for Mhatre being traded to CSK, and there is a solid reason for it.Ryan Rickelton has been outstanding, and he has cemented his place in the Mumbai Indians setup. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma’s place remains uncertain as the batter has blown hot and cold. Moreover, Suryakumar Yadav is also a subject of criticism after his poor performance in IPL 2026.If MI decides to release one of Rohit or Suryakumar (a highly unlikely case), then Mhatre could be brought in as a solid replacement player, and he can easily bat either at Rohit’s spot or at Surya’s place.Sunrisers HyderabadWhy the Sunrisers Hyderabad are after Mhatre is still a mystery. They have Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma as the two openers, and the dangerous Ishan Kishan at number 3.At number 4, there is Heinrich Klaasen, and hence, there is no room to incorporate Mhatre in the SRH playing XI. The Orange Army already has a settled team, and there is no reason to tinker with the squad.Delhi CapitalsDelhi Capitals have an interesting top three in the IPL, with only KL Rahul’s place permanent. In IPL 2026, DC played a lot with their squad as they tried a plethora of top-order combinations, and nothing worked for them.Pathum Nissanka, Abishek Porel, Nitish Rana, and Sahil Parakh were tried in the top three, and none of the batters looked convincing. Hence, the team can play a punt by bringing in Mhatre. The CSK batter has a strike rate of 185 as an opener, and 182 at number 3.As a result, the Under-19 World Cup winner can play in both positions for the Capitals, and will be a smart addition in the squad.Gujarat TitansAlongside RCB, the Gujarat Titans have the most settled top three in the IPL. In Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler, GT have a fixed top three that has delivered the goods for them.Also Read: Sanju Samson To MS Dhoni: CSK Player Ratings For IPL 2026It is the only IPL franchise that doesn’t believe in altering things, and as they say, why fix something that is not broken? The number 4 slot is still vacant at GT, but Mhatre is mainly a top-order batter, and playing him at 4 will be a risky idea. Hence, GT might not be the best place for him.Lucknow Super GiantsJust like the Delhi Capitals, LSG only have one batter fixed at the top - Mitch Marsh, and others need to fight for the spot. Aiden Markram has been their second-best opener, but last season, he was demoted down the order.Nicholas Pooran is likely to be used at number 3, and hence, Mhatre cannot bat at that position. In LSG, the only place where Mhatre can fit in is the opening spot, and that also if the franchise decides to either part ways with Markram, or once again play him in the middle-order.ConclusionThere are five IPL teams in the race to sign the CSK star, Ayush Mhatre, but only one can get their hands on him. DC, LSG, and MI are the three teams where he’ll fit in perfectly, and out of those three franchises, DC needs him the most.MI have a relatively settled top three, and Mhatre can only be incorporated if one of Rohit, ot Suryakumar leaves. Same goes for the LSG side, as Markram and Marsh are the two openers, and Pooran plays at number 3; hence, they, too, are not desperate to have Mhatre.DC, on the other hand, only have one reliable batter in the top three, and they need an explosive batter at the top; Mhatre is the perfect choice.Also Read: CSK Summon Their Players As Official Axing Window Begins Before IPL 2027
