Big blow for CSK: Ayush Mhatre ruled out of IPL 2026 due to injury

Chennai Super Kings’ Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the IPL 2026 due to his hamstring injury. The right-hand batter sustained a serious hamstring injury while batting against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Rajeev Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad. The incident happened in the 5th over, when Mhatre pulled his hamstring while trying to get a second run. He slowed down as he was near the crease; in fact, he had given up. He got some attention from the physio. However, he was dismissed in the same over. 

Chennai Super Kings confirms that the Under-19 World Cup 2026 winning captain, Ayush Mhatre, has been advised for a long rehabilitation. It will take him at least 10 to 12 weeks to recover, making it clear that Ayush will not be seen again in the IPL 2026. This is a major blow for CSK. 

CSK has been facing a couple of injury concerns from the beginning of the tournament. Before Mhatre, Khaleel Ahmed has also been ruled out of the IPL 2026 due to his serious quadriceps injury. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni—the team leader and former skipper—has not yet been able to play a single match in the tournament due to his calf injury. 

The troubles for the five-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings, continue to mount. The team has managed to win only two of the six matches played so far, and their difficulties have been further compounded by a spate of player injuries. The good news for the team is that Dewald Brevis has recovered from his injury and has even played 3 matches after missing the first 3 games.

Before getting injured, Ayush Mhatre scored 30 runs in 13 balls, including 5 fours and 1 six. He played with a strike rate of 230.77. He gave a brilliant start to CSK; however, after his dismissal, CSK panicked and lost the match by 10 runs. In IPL 2026, he has scored 201 runs in 6 matches, including 3 half-centuries.

The Chennai Super Kings management has not yet provided any update regarding a replacement for Mhatre. His IPL campaign so far has been particularly impressive; in the six matches played so far, he scored 201 runs, including 3 half-centuries, and at a very impressive strike rate of 177.87.  Ayush played a significant role in both the matches that CSK has won so far. Under Mhatre's place, Urvil Patel could get an opportunity to bat at number 3. Last season, Urvil played at this spot in a couple of matches, scoring 68 runs in 3 innings, with a strike rate of 212.50.

Chennai Super Kings are currently in 8th position in the points table, with 2 wins and 4 losses. They will face their arch-rivals, the Mumbai Indians, in their next cricket match. The match will be held at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on April 23.