Chennai Super Kings Calls Up Ayush Vartak for Trial
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have announced the inclusion of Mumbai all-rounder Ayush Vartak for a mid-season trial. This move comes as CSK faces several challenges due to multiple injuries within their squad. Earlier, they lost Khaleel Ahmed due to a quadriceps injury, and Ayush Mhatre was ruled out after suffering a left hamstring tear.
In the last match, Urvil Patel was brought in as a replacement for Mhatre, but he failed to make an impact by scoring a duck. Over the past few days, CSK has been conducting various trials to find a suitable replacement for the team. According to a source close to the proceedings, CSK confirmed to the Times of India that Vartak has been called up for trials on Tuesday. The source mentioned:
“Yes, Ayush has been called up for trials on Tuesday. He will reach Chennai on Monday night.”
Who is Ayush Vartak?
Ayush Vartak hails from Basal in Mumbai and has not yet made an appearance for the senior Mumbai team. However, the 21-year-old has shown promise in his career. He captained the Mumbai U-23 team in the Col CK Naydu Trophy last season and served as vice captain in the 2024-25 season. During that time, he scored 770 runs in just seven matches.
In the Men’s State A Trophy 2025, Vartak accumulated 363 runs in six innings, with an impressive average of 72.60 and a strike rate of 169.62. He finished as the second-highest six-hitter in the tournament, hitting 26 sixes. His performance in the Mangrol CC U-19 tournament was particularly notable, where he scored an unbeaten 215* off just 110 balls.
Recently, Ayush was awarded the MCA’s U-23 Outstanding Performance Award for the 2024 season, further highlighting his potential as a rising star in Indian cricket.
MS Dhoni’s Injury Concerns
MS Dhoni has been sidelined due to a recurring calf injury, missing the first eight matches of IPL 2026. His return timeline remains uncertain. Initially, he was ruled out for two weeks, but a setback occurred when he tweaked the same calf during a warm-up session, causing a delay in his recovery.
Head coach Stephen Fleming admitted that the early push worsened the issue. Although Dhoni has resumed light net sessions, he has avoided intense drills to prevent further damage. In his absence, Sanju Samson has taken over wicketkeeping duties for the Chennai Super Kings.
With three wins in eight matches, CSK currently sit in sixth place in the league table. The team is looking to strengthen its lineup with the addition of players like Ayush Vartak, who could provide much-needed depth and support in the coming matches.
