Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings have been dealt a major setback, with top-order batter Ayush Mhatre ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 after suffering a hamstring injury during their recent outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The franchise confirmed on Tuesday that the 18-year-old will be out for an extended period, with his recovery expected to take between six to 12 weeks.
“Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 due to a left hamstring injury sustained while batting during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. Ayush’s injury will require a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks. We wish Ayush a speedy recovery,” CSK said in a statement.
The youngster picked up the injury while attempting a second run during CSK’s chase in Hyderabad on April 18. He was seen clutching his left hamstring in visible discomfort and needed immediate on-field attention.
Despite the pain, Mhatre chose to continue batting for a brief period before eventually being dismissed a couple of deliveries later. On his way back to the pavilion, he required assistance from the support staff.
Following the incident, Mhatre underwent scans to assess the severity of the injury, which has now been confirmed as a hamstring tear, effectively ending his campaign.
After CSK’s defeat in that match, batting coach Michael Hussey had indicated that the injury looked serious, though the exact extent was unclear at the time.
“It’s a hamstring tear. Don’t know how bad it is. We’ll scan him probably the next day. I’m not sure, but yes, it looks pretty bad. Unfortunately, he’s going to be a big loss because he has been in nice touch for us. He is an exciting young talent, but it is going to give someone else an opportunity, so that’s exciting as well,” Hussey had said in the post-match presser.
Hussey, however, pointed out that Ayush’s absence could come as an opportunity for the others in the squad. “We have got some really good players that haven’t got an opportunity, so it’s going to be exciting for one of those guys. As much as we are really disappointed to lose Ayush, I don’t know for how long, but it’s exciting for a new player to come in and get a chance,” he said.
Mhatre’s absence comes as a significant blow for CSK, especially at a time when the team has been struggling to find consistency. The Men-in-Yellow began their campaign with three consecutive losses, bounced back with two wins, but suffered another defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The young batter had been one of the bright spots for CSK this season, impressing with his aggressive strokeplay at the top. He made an immediate impact in the SRH game as well, scoring a quickfire 30 off just 12 balls after coming in as an impact substitute for Gurjapneet Singh in the second over of the chase, following the early dismissal of opener Sanju Samson.
Mhatre is now the third CSK player to be ruled out due to injury this season, after pacers Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis. The squad has also had to deal with other availability concerns, with Dewald Brevis not featuring in the initial games.
Meanwhile, former captain MS Dhoni is yet to take the field this season as he continues his recovery from a calf injury sustained during a practice session ahead of the tournament. His return could now become crucial as CSK look to regroup.
CSK currently find themselves in seventh place on the points table with four points from six matches. They will next take on Mumbai Indians on Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium, where they will hope to overcome their injury setbacks and get their campaign back on track.