CSK’s issues fixed before IPL 2026 as Ayush Mhatre continues red-hot form in SMAT

Last year, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were extremely poor. Now, even before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 aution, they certainly look brighter. The simple reason is Ayush Mhatre. Of course, Sanju Samson’s trade deal was terrific too. But the 18-year-old Mumbai batter, who was signed as a replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad last season, has been unstoppable in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025.

Ayush Mhatre scripts magic for Mumbai

With the franchise coming off its worst-ever IPL finish, Mhatre’s blistering form gives serious hope that their top-order crisis may finally be over before IPL 2026 begins. On Sunday in Lucknow, Mhatre struck a stunning unbeaten 104 off 59 balls against Andhra, powering Mumbai to a commanding nine-wicket win while chasing 160.

His innings included nine sixes and five fours, stitched together through two composed partnerships: 57 runs with Ajinkya Rahane and an unbeaten 105-run stand with Suryakumar Yadav. This was his second straight hundred in the SMAT season after his 110* against Vidarbha in Round 2. He now has 472 runs in just 10 T20 innings.

At 18 years and 135 days, Mhatre has become the youngest player to score a century in all three formats of professional cricket. The record was previously held by none other than Rohit Sharma. When someone like Sachin Tendulkar congratulates you, it signals that you genuinely deserve all the plaudits. Mhatre has also been named India U19 captain for the upcoming ACC Asia Cup as well.

At IPL 2025, he was one of the shining lights alongside Dewald Brevis as well, scoring 240 runs from seven matches at an average of 34.28. All this at a strike rate of 188.98.

Problem solved for CSK’s powerplay struggles?

No team struggled more in the powerplay than CSK last season. They scored the fewest runs in the first six overs (693), lost 29 wickets, and had the worst strike rate (137.50) during that phase. With Gaikwad out injured, their top-order rotation of Tripathi, Conway, Hooda and Vijay Shankar never clicked. Even MS Dhoni’s mid-season captaincy return could not prevent them from finishing last.

But now the lineup looks dramatically different. CSK already made headlines by trading in Sanju Samson, and with Gaikwad fit again, they finally have strength at the top. Add an in-form Ayush Mhatre to the equation, and the franchise could suddenly possess the most threatening Indian top order in IPL 2026. CSK released all the dead rubber as well.

Whether he opens with Samson or floats at three, Mhatre has given CSK something they desperately lacked last year. And that was aggression and fearlessness. This also prevents them from using an overseas spot for an opener like they always used to do.

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