Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchise in the history of IPL known for their backing of experienced-most players. This is among the various reasons behind five titles to their name. Whether it’s Shane Watson in 2018, Robin Uthappa in 2021 or Ajinkya Rahane in 2023, the trust on senior cricketers has turned out fruitful for the franchise.
However, the story is not the same this time as the batting of CSK is going through a tough phase. Their powerplay woes keep haunting them with the lowest run rate among all with a mere 7.38 runs per over. Also, they are the only team which has failed to touch 200 run mark this season. Not only the foreign players but the local boys have also failed to fire with the bat and in the absence of regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad the crisis seems to deepen for the franchise. Yet, CSK made headlines on April 20, 2025, when a 17-year-old batter from Mumbai, Ayush Mhatre, became the youngest player to feature for the side. In a showdown with their fiercest opponents Mumbai Indians (MI), the right hander Mhatre came at number 3 and scored quick 32 runs in just 15 deliveries. The youngster somehow came as a sigh of hope for struggling CSK for the future endeavours.
Here are the 5 youngest cricketers to play for CSK in IPL T20:
5. Noor Ahmad (20y 79d)
The left-arm wrist-spinner hailing from Afghanistan made his CSK debut in 2015 and is in the race for purple cap. Noor was roped by Gujrat Titans in 2023 after a significant international showdown. Known for his deceptive pace and clever changes the left armer has turned out to be an imperative aspect of CSK’s spin attack. So far he has taken 12 wickets in this year playing 8 matches with an outstanding average of 17.25. Currently positioned at number 3 in the purple cap list he is among the main contenders to top the tally.
4. Matheesha Pathirana (19y 148d)
The right-arm quick bowler from Sri Lanka made his CSK debut in 2022 and since then he has delivered according to expectations. Known for his fast and toe crushing yorkers in the death overs Pathirana also earned the title of ‘Baby Malinga’. So far he has played 26 games for the franchise and taken 41 wickets with an economy of 8.45. Because of his brilliant run CSK retained Pathirana in 2025 with an amount of 13 crores.
3. Ankit Rajpoot ( 19y 123d)
Another speedster, Ankit Rajpoot, made his way into the IPL with CSK in 2011. The right-arm-fast-medium from Kanpur caught attention with his pace and bounce. Later, Ankit went on to play for other franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). In the 29 games Ankit played the IPL, he took 24 wickets with an average of 33.92. In 2018, playing for Kings XI Punjab he grabbed fifer against Sunrisers Hyderabad (5/14), the best bowling figures by an uncapped player in IPL.
2. Abhinav Mukund (18y 139d)
Abhinav Mukund made his IPL debut with Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural season at just 18. The left-hand batter from Tamil Nadu due to his remarkable domestic season later earned a spot in Indian test team. Although, his IPL career is short-lived but his fluent hundreds and immediate exhibited performances has showcased his highest levels of cricket. Ankit has achieved the rare feat of scoring two triple-hundreds in domestic cricket.
1. Ayush Mhatre ( 17y 278d)
The right-hand batter made it on top of the list being the youngest player to represents the five times champions. After a noteworthy performances in domestic season, Ayush grabbed the attention of franchise during the mid-seasons trials in Chepauk. With roots in Rajkoot, the right-hander earned a contract of INR 30 lakhs from CSK. Before that, Ayush had an promising domestic season scoring 458 runs in Vijay Hazare Trophy and 471 runs in Ranji season.
Also READ: IPL 2025: Here’s why CSK players wore black armbands against Mumbai Indians
