Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown out a specific strategy for Chennai Super Kings as they deal with a fresh injury blow: Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 with a hamstring problem. The suggestion comes at a time when CSK are already navigating a tough stretch of fitness concerns, and Ashwin believes the franchise should move quickly once the loan window opens opportunities for short-term cover.
Ayush Mhatre’s hamstring setback and CSK’s season troubles
Mhatre’s injury is the latest in what has been an unsettled campaign for Chennai. The franchise has been affected by multiple knocks, including one involving MS Dhoni. Mhatre, who captained India to the U-19 World Cup, picked up the hamstring issue during Chennai’s previous outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18.
- Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out for the rest of IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury.
- The injury was sustained during CSK’s match versus Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18.
- CSK’s 2026 campaign has already been disrupted by several injury concerns, including MS Dhoni.
CSK confirm the timeline: rehab could take 6–12 weeks
On Tuesday, CSK confirmed that Mhatre will miss the remainder of IPL 2026. The team also indicated that his rehabilitation is expected to take between six and 12 weeks. Before the injury, Mhatre had established himself as one of CSK’s most productive batters this season, amassing 201 runs across six matches at a strike rate of 177.87.
- Mhatre will be unavailable for the rest of IPL 2026.
- Expected rehab duration: six to 12 weeks.
- Before the injury, Mhatre scored 201 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 177.87.
Ashwin’s loan-window idea for CSK: Vihaan Malhotra or Abhigyan Kundu
With CSK now expected to hunt for a replacement, Ashwin advised the franchise to consider the loan mechanism to bring in a player from Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In particular, he suggested CSK explore a loan for Vihaan Malhotra, noting that the relevant window shuts after the seventh match and urging Chennai to act fast.
Ashwin also offered a backup viewpoint, recommending India U-19 wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu as an alternative long-term option, even though Kundu has not been part of the IPL auction pool.
- Ashwin urged CSK to consider using the loan window to target Vihaan Malhotra from RCB.
- He highlighted that the window closes after the seventh match, pushing for quick action.
- As an alternative, Ashwin suggested Abhigyan Kundu, describing him as a left-handed option that could be developed for the future.
- Ashwin noted Kundu has not played a single IPL game so far, making the approach “viable”.
Why Ashwin thinks RCB could loan to a rival, plus IPL loan-rule details
Ashwin was also asked whether Royal Challengers Bengaluru would be willing to loan a player to a direct competitor like CSK. The former India spinner argued that, with the two teams sitting at contrasting positions in the points standings, Bengaluru could treat it as a business opportunity.
He reasoned that one side is currently in a comfortable position while the other is not competing as closely at the moment, creating scope to generate revenue. He added that the player would get game time and then return to the original franchise after a short spell.
- Ashwin said RCB may see a loan deal as a commercial opportunity given the teams’ differing points-table situations.
- He explained that the loaned player gets a chance to play during the stint.
- He added that the player would return to the parent franchise after a few games.
What is the IPL loan rule?
Ashwin’s comments also prompted a look at the framework governing IPL loans. The loan window is available between matches 20 and 34 in an IPL season. To be eligible, a player must have appeared in 0 to 2 matches. Once loaned, the player stays with the borrowing franchise for the rest of the season, but cannot take the field against their parent team.
- The loan window runs between matches 20 and 34 in the IPL season.
- Eligibility requirement: the player must have played 0 to 2 matches.
- A loaned player remains with the borrowing franchise for the remainder of the season.
- The loaned player cannot play against their parent franchise.
