Ayush Mhatre to replace Gaikwad in CSK, SRH sign Smaran Ravichandran for Zampa
New Delhi, Apr 14 (PTI): Chennai Super Kings have picked Ayush Mhatre as a replacement for their injured skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, while Sunrisers Hyderabad have signed Smaran Ravichandran in place of Adam Zampa for the remainder of the Indian Premier League, the event's organiser said on Monday.
Mhatre has played nine first-class matches and seven List A games, scoring 962 runs. The right-handed batter, who represents Mumbai in domestic cricket, joins CSK for Rs 30 lakh.
Gaikwad has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering a fracture on his elbow.
SRH, on the other hand, have signed up Karnataka left-handed batter Ravichandran, who has played seven first-class games, 10 List A matches and six T20s and has over 1100 runs.
Ravichandran joins SRH for Rs 30 lakh.
Zampa has been ruled out of the ongoing event with an unspecified injury.
🚨LION ALERT ‼️
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 14, 2025
Mumbai youngster Ayush Mhatre drafted as a replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad who had suffered an elbow fracture earlier. #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/PGMDH12J9q
Welcome aboard, Smaran. 🔥
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) April 14, 2025
He joins our squad as the replacement of Adam Zampa, who is ruled out due to injury. #PlayWithFire | #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/YC6Xl6u8Kv
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
