Ayush Mhatre for CSK - (Source: AFP)
The preparations for IPL 2027 are already in full swing. There is still time for the mini-auction, but the trade window is open. Hardik Pandya has been in the news because of his demand to leave MI. In the latest events, CSK’s Ayush Mhatre has also emerged as a hot target for IPL franchises for the 2027 season.
Ayush Mhatre made his IPL debut in 2025 when he was roped in as a replacement player by Chennai Super Kings. The 19-year-old impressed the fans right away and went on to register two straight good seasons with the bat, which is why he is in high demand.
Ayush Mhatre Approached by 5 IPL Teams
In the latest developments, a report from Times of India Tamil mentioned that five IPL franchises are interested in roping in Ayush Mhatre for IPL 2027. The report stated that Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants are the four teams interested in Ayush Mhatre.
List of players offered by five franchises for Ayush Mhatre
Gujarat Titans: Gujarat Titans reportedly offered Washington Sundar to bring in Ayush Mhatre for IPL 2027. Notably, Sundar is priced at 3.2 crores and had a brilliant IPL 2026. The 26-year-old scored 377 runs in 16 innings, averaging 37.70 with the bat.
Lucknow Super Giants: LSG offered Shahbaz Ahmed because Chennai Super Kings are in need of a spin-bowling all-rounder, and Ahmed fits the bill. The LSG star earns a salary of 2.40 crores.
Also Read: After Hardik Pandya, CSK Target Another Mumbai Indians Player In IPL Trade Deal
Delhi Capitals: Delhi Capitals are also interested in Ayush Mhatre and have offered either Ashutosh Sharma or T Natarajan to the five-time winners.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: SRH have reportedly offered Salil Arora, who is touted to be the next big thing in Indian cricket.
Mumbai Indians: MI were ready to offer Hardik Pandya in exchange of Shivam Dube and Ayush Mhatre but CSK denied giving away Mhatre.
Notably, Chennai Super Kings were not pleased and have rejected all four offers.
Mumbai Indians’ Offer Rejected By Chennai Super Kings
Besides the above-mentioned four teams, Mumbai Indians have also shown interest in Mhatre. As per reports, CSK are interested in Hardik Pandya, and they contacted the five-time winners to bring in Pandya at the Anbuden.
CSK were ready to offer Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis, but the Mumbai Indians insisted on Ayush Mhatre. However, the Super Kings look at Mhatre as their future, which is why they rejected that demand.
At present, there is a deadlock situation because MI apparently want Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis and an extra 10 crores to give Hardik Pandya to Chennai Super Kings.
Why Is Ayush Mhatre in High Demand?
As mentioned above, Ayush Mhatre made his IPL debut in 2025, and the batter scored 240 runs in 7 innings. Even in IPL 2026, Mhatre was CSK’s best batter till he got injured and amassed 201 runs in 6 innings, averaging 33.50.
The positive is that Mhatre bats at a strike rate of 177.88, which is why Chennai Super Kings are not interested in sending their 19-year-old away.
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