Ayush Mhatre Forced To Join Hall Of Shame (Source: AFP Photos)
Ayush Mhatre, an 18-year-old flamboyant batter from India, batted magificently for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during Match 18 of IPL 2026 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Yet, he faced a shocking move, as CSK decided to retire him out during their innings against Delhi Capitals.
More importantly, Mhatre was at his very best, batting on 59* off 36 deliveries after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s painful stay. Unfortunately, he became the first player to be retired out in IPL 2026, joining some of the most popular names who don't want to be there.
Why CSK Decided To Retire Out Ayush Mhatre?
Then why exactly was Mhatre retired out despite being so good in the middle against Delhi Capitals. Well, it was a strategic move by the Stephen Fleming-led think tank.
Mhatre’s batting style indicates he is more of a touch player. Moreover, he is still young. Hence, having got someone like Shivam Dube, who has proven several times at the grandest stage to show his true worth during the death overs, CSK brought him in during the 18th over of the innings.
Also Read: Ruturaj Gaikwad Issues Fresh Update On MS Dhoni’s IPL Future
To show Mhatre respect, the entire players and support staff gave him a standing ovation when he returned to the pavilion.
List Of Players To Be Retired Out In IPL
- 28 – Ravichandran Ashwin (RR) vs LSG, Wankhede, 2022
- 55 – Atharva Taide (PBKS) vs DC, Dharamsala, 2023
- 43 – Sai Sudharsan (GT) vs MI, Ahmedabad, 2023
- 25 – Tilak Varma (MI) vs LSG, Lucknow, 2025
- 69 – Devon Conway (CSK) vs PBKS, Mullanpur, 2025
- 59 – Ayush Mhatre (CSK) vs DC, Chennai, 2026, Tonight*
Also Read: Sanju Samson Finally Announces His CSK Arrival In IPL 2026 With Statement Century
Retired Hurt Vs Retired Out: What's The Difference?
There are two similar terms in cricket: one is Retired Hurt, and the other is Retired Out.
While Retired Hurt means someone who has to leave the field due to injury-related concerns, Retired Out defines that the individual has to leave the field voluntarily for the betterment of the team.
Sanju Samson Takes CSK To 212/2 Vs DC
Riding on Samson’s spectacular 56-ball 115 not out, which had 15 fours and four sixes, CSK finished with 212/2 against Delhi Capitals after Axar Patel asked them to bat first.
Dube, who came in at No. 4 after Ayush Mhatre’s retired out, made 20* off 10 deliveries, laced with two fours and one six.
For DC, only Axar Patel had a wicket. Their most economical bowler was IPL debutant Auqib Nabi Dar, who conceded 17 runs off his two overs.
The chase is on for DC at the time of writing this, as KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka are in the middle.
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