Chennai Super Kings’ injury troubles are set to deepen after a new setback during IPL 2026 action in Hyderabad. The U19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre has suffered a hamstring tear and is expected to spend a significant stretch on the sidelines, adding further pressure to a squad already managing fitness concerns.
The incident occurred on Saturday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium as CSK were batting. Mhatre pulled up after the second delivery of the fifth over, with the problem emerging while he was attempting to complete a quick second run. He slowed as he approached the non-striker’s end and effectively gave up the attempt, but managed to survive the moment and reach his ground, even as the discomfort worsened.
How the injury happened
- Ayush Mhatre sustained a “hamstring tear” during IPL 2026 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, on Saturday.
- The injury was felt after the second delivery of the fifth over while CSK were batting.
- Mhatre was trying to get back for the second run; he slowed near the non-striker’s end and did not complete the running attempt.
- He stayed on to bat, but was dismissed a couple of deliveries later.
- After losing his wicket, he could not walk to the dugout alone and had to be helped off the field by Ramakrishna Ghosh and the physio.
- Ghosh and physio Tommy Simsek handled his pads.
CSK batting coach Michael Hussey said the club would assess the severity after a scan. He did not give a firm confirmation on whether Mhatre is out for the full tournament, but his comments suggested the right-handed batter is likely to miss the coming matches even if he eventually returns later in the competition.
Hussey described the injury as a hamstring tear and acknowledged that the exact extent is still being evaluated. He also pointed to the impact of losing a batter in good form, noting that Mhatre had been in a “nice touch” before the setback. At the same time, he suggested the opportunity that will open up for another young player, adding that CSK have several talented options who have not yet had extended chances.
“He is an exciting young talent,” Hussey said, while underlining that the situation will force the team to adapt. He stressed that while CSK are disappointed, it is also “exciting” for a new player to step in and get a run, even as the club remains unsure about the timeline of Mhatre’s recovery.
CSK’s chase collapses again
CSK also suffered another defeat, losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 10 runs. The chase was built around a target of 195, but the five-time champions were unable to reach it, slipping short by 10 runs at the end.
Ruturaj Gaikwad once more struggled to make an extended impact, managing only 18 runs off 13 balls. The chase began brightly when Mhatre struck 30 runs off 13 deliveries, giving CSK momentum early on. However, once he was dismissed, the batting order lost its rhythm, and the innings never fully recovered.
With the result, CSK remain stuck in the eighth position on the points table. They have collected just four points from six matches, highlighting how the season has continued to unravel in terms of both performance and availability.
The injury list has already begun to affect the team’s planning. CSK have already lost Khaleel Ahmed to injury, with the left-arm pacer ruled out of the remainder of the tournament earlier this week. They also suffered the blow of Nathan Ellis being unavailable before the start of the competition, leaving the franchise to juggle resources as the campaign progresses.
