Ayush Mhatre leaving the field (Source: AFP Photos)
India’s promising youngster, Ayush Mhatre, had an impressive stint in IPL 2026, although it did not last too long. An unfortunate hamstring injury ruled him out of the Chennai Super Kings for the remainder of the season, leaving the 18-year-old in a major shock.
Playing for CSK, Mhatre had a strike rate in excess of 177 in IPL 2026, having made 201 runs in six matches. His short stint included two highly impactful knocks: a 36-ball 59 against Delhi Capitals and a 43-ball 73 against Punjab Kings.
Ayush Mhatre Opens Up After Injury Setback For CSK
On Wednesday, Mhatre took to Instagram to express his emotions after an IPL injury setback. There, he thanked his ardent fans and promised them to come back strongly next season. At the same time, he also wished CSK all the very best in the coming fixtures.
“Disappointed to not be able to contribute to @chennaiipl anymore in IPL 2026, but promise to come back stronger. Wishing the team all the best for the rest of the season. Thanks for all the yellove and support,” Ayush Mhatre wrote on Instagram.
When Ayush Mhatre Suffered The Hamstring Injury?
Mhatre tore his left hamstring during CSK’s IPL 2026 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, which took place on April 18. Even though he made 30 off just 13 balls in that game, he was seen in a lot of pain while staying in the middle.
Also Read: Ayush Mhatre Replacement: 3 Players Who Could Join CSK IPL 2026 Squad
With captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson opening for CSK, Ayush Mhatre was batting at No. 3 until the injury setback. Now, in his absence, another promising talent from India’s domestic circuit, Urvil Patel, might get an opportunity to shine.
Ayush Mhatre Became 1st Retired Out In IPL 2026
Before the injury, Ayush Mhatre was in the news, although for unwanted reasons. During the CSK vs DC match, which happened at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, Mhatre was retired out despite smashing 59 off 36 balls, which had four sixes and three fours.
CSK made a tactical move behind Ayush Mhatre retired out against DC, as they had hard-hitting Shivam Dube and high-flying Dewald Brevis still to come.
When Ayush Mhatre Broke Into CSK's Playing XI?
Mhatre became a regular in the CSK playing XI last year. He got seven outings in IPL 2025, scoring 240 runs at a strike rate of 188.98. His highest score of 94 came in last season only, which, more significantly, came against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Not to forget, Ayush Mhatre has played majorly alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi so far for India. In fact, Mhatre has been the leader of the side, with Sooryavanshi becoming the captain only when Mhatre was unavailable.
Also Read: Ayush Mhatre Shatters Suresh Raina’s 18-Year-Old CSK Feat With Record 50 vs PBKS
