Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 campaign has taken another downward turn, with the five-time champions slipping to their fourth loss in six matches. After an early wobble that saw them lose their first games, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side looked to be regaining momentum by winning two straight contests. That recovery, however, was cut short on Saturday, when CSK fell to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 10 runs in their most recent outing. The defeat also came with a fresh injury concern for the franchise, as young batter Ayush Mhatre picked up a hamstring problem during the match.
CSK’s innings: Ayush Mhatre injury and quick dismissal
The incident occurred in the fifth over of CSK’s innings. Mhatre attempted a rapid second run and, while going for the double, pulled his hamstring. The CSK physio immediately came on to the field, and after a short assessment, Mhatre was allowed to continue batting. But the injury proved costly almost right away—he was dismissed by Nitish Kumar Reddy just two balls later.
Michael Hussey on the injury update
Speaking to the media at the post-match press conference, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed the nature of Mhatre’s issue and suggested the batter is likely to be sidelined for more than one fixture.
- Hussey said it is a hamstring tear, adding that the extent of the damage is still being assessed.
- He indicated that scans will likely take place the following day or the day after.
- Hussey described the injury as “pretty serious” and said it is a major blow because Mhatre had been in good form.
- He also pointed out that while the team is disappointed, the situation could provide an opening for another young player to step up.
- Hussey noted that CSK have several capable players who have not yet had their chance.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s view of CSK’s chase and SRH’s powerplay
In his reflections after the match, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad said the team had expected a larger total after evaluating Sunrisers Hyderabad’s powerplay performance. He explained that CSK were prepared for a score in the 220–230 range and acknowledged that restricting SRH under 200 was a positive, even if it was not enough in the end.
- Gaikwad said SRH’s powerplay led him to anticipate a score around 220–230.
- He added that keeping Hyderabad under 200 after their powerplay was something the team would have accepted at any stage.
- Gaikwad explained that CSK needed roughly 80 runs in the final 10 overs to stay in contention.
- He said the plan relied on building a couple of partnerships, but the chase became difficult after CSK scored only four runs in the two overs following the halfway point.
- He concluded that chasing at a rate of about 12–13 runs per over in the closing overs is always challenging.
