Ayush Mhatre injury (Source: AP)
The troubles continue to pile up for Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL 2026, with young batter Ayush Mhatre becoming the latest addition to their growing injury list. The 18-year-old, who has been one of the few bright spots in a difficult season, suffered a hamstring tear during their recent clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18.
With injuries, inconsistent performances, and an ongoing transition from the MS Dhoni era, CSK's campaign is turning into a more challenging one.
CSK's injury concerns increase
CSK's season has been severely affected by injuries to several important players. MS Dhoni has not played a single match as of now in the ongoing IPL 2026 due to a calf strain, while pacer Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out of the tournament with a quadriceps tear.
Overseas bowler Nathan Ellis was ruled out of the IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury, and his replacement, Spencer Johnson, has also been unavailable because of a back stress fracture. Now, Ayush Mhatre's injury will further add extra pressure on the CSK captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad and the team's think tank.
CSK's performance so far in IPL 2026
CSK's IPL 2026 campaign has been inconsistent. They began with three straight losses, first against Rajasthan Royals, then the Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
They bounced back with two wins, defeating Delhi Capitals, where Sanju Samson scored a brilliant century, and Jamie Overton starred with the ball, and then overcame Kolkata Knight Riders thanks to a strong bowling display led by Noor Ahmad.
Also Read: MS Dhoni Ruled Out Further For CSK In IPL 2026, New Timeline Given
However, their latest defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad left them with just two wins in six matches, placing them seventh on the table.
Mike Hussey on Ayush Mhatre’s injury
CSK batting coach Mike Hussey confirmed that Ayush Mhatre has suffered a hamstring tear. He described it as a big loss, especially given the youngster's form. He also added that scans will determine the severity, but such injuries could take months to heal.
"Obviously a hamstring tear. I don't know how bad it is. I'm sure we'll scan him probably tomorrow or the next day," Mike Hussey, the CSK batting coach, said at the press conference after the game. "It looks pretty bad, unfortunately. And he's going to be a big, big loss because he's been in really nice touch for us.
"So, as much as we're really disappointed to lose Ayush - I don't know how long for - it's exciting for a new player to come in and get a chance."
"I mean, it's hard to say," Hussey said. "He didn't last too many balls after the injury, Ayush. But yeah, it's obviously going to affect his batting because he was hitting the ball so well and scoring boundaries almost at will. So it's definitely going to have an effect for sure."
However, as per the latest development, according to the Indian Express, Ayush Mhatre will likely be ruled out for three weeks.
R Ashwin criticises handling of injury
Former India spinner and CSK's star player Ravichandran Ashwin strongly criticised the team's management for allowing Ayush Mhatre to continue batting despite visible discomfort.
Ashwin questioned why the player was not retired out and called the situation 'shocking'. He pointed out that the youngster was limping badly while still being asked to run between wickets. R Ashwin also hinted at long-term issues in CSK’s injury management.
"It couldn’t have been a cramp because he did not field at all. Even if he had gotten cramps even when not fielding, then we have to look at his hydration. Okay, it’s not a cramp. Let’s assume it was an injury. Your physios have come in and checked him. He was limping badly, you are asking him to play another ball and making him run between wickets!"
"I couldn’t understand. Should he have not retired out when he was limping? In this season, Ayush Mhatre has been one of the stars. I don’t understand how they can handle him carelessly. I was shocked."
Ayush Mhatre's numbers in IPL 2026
In IPL 2026 so far, Ayush Mhatre has been in outstanding form. He has scored 201 runs in six matches at an average of 33.50 and an impressive strike rate of nearly 178. His fearless approach at the top made him one of CSK's most reliable performers this season.
Not confirmed yet, but there's a chance Mhatre will miss matches for the 'Yellow Army'. So in his absence, CSK may turn to Urvil Patel as a replacement. He has shown promise in previous appearances and could step in as a like-for-like batting option for CSK.
