Chennai Super Kings have hit a significant blow in IPL 2026 after top-order batter Ayush Mhatre was ruled out on Tuesday because of a hamstring injury. The problem was picked up during CSK’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on April 18, and the setback comes at a critical moment as the franchise now turns its attention to its upcoming clash with Mumbai Indians.
Key takeaways
- Ayush Mhatre has been sidelined with a hamstring tear ahead of CSK’s next game.
- The injury occurred during CSK’s April 18 meeting with Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad.
- Mhatre’s role at No. 3 has been central to CSK’s batting stability, with 201 runs across six matches.
- CSK have not yet named an official replacement for the No. 3 spot.
- Three in-squad possibilities being considered are Urvil Patel, Sarfaraz Khan, and Kartik Sharma.
Why Mhatre’s absence matters for CSK
Mhatre had been in strong form and operating as a reliable presence in the crucial No. 3 position. In IPL 2026, he has contributed 201 runs in six matches, giving CSK the sort of top-order steadiness they often rely on to set up the innings. With him now unavailable, CSK face a direct selection challenge: maintaining batting depth and continuity at a spot that typically demands both control and quick scoring when overs open up.
The immediate focus now is whether CSK can find a like-for-like replacement at No. 3 without compromising the balance of the side. As of now, no official announcement has been made, leaving the team management to weigh their options before the high-stakes match against Mumbai Indians.
Possible replacements for the No. 3 spot
With CSK needing a batter who can slot into the top order, here are three names that could be considered to fill the gap created by Mhatre’s hamstring tear.
- Urvil Patel
Urvil Patel is viewed as a promising domestic option already tied to the CSK setup. He was retained by the franchise for Rs 30 lakh after his breakout form in the 2025 season. Although he has been kept out of action in the opening matches of IPL 2026, he is considered a like-for-like alternative for Mhatre. Patel also fits the profile of someone who could step into the starting XI if CSK want continuity in the batting order. He joined CSK during the 2025 season as cover for the injured Vansh Bedi and made an immediate impact on debut against KKR, scoring 31 runs off 11 balls. - Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan has been making a strong case for his role as a T20-impact batter in the current season. Across six matches so far, he has amassed 147 runs at an average of 29.40. He also struck a 25-ball half-century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 5, 2026—his first IPL fifty in seven years. While his current batting slot is No. 4, CSK could consider moving him up to replace Mhatre, adding another batting unit to the team’s overall depth. - Kartik Sharma
Kartik Sharma is another in-squad candidate who could be tried as a flexible batting option. He made his IPL debut on March 30, 2026, against Rajasthan Royals at the ACA Stadium in Barsapara. In that game, he scored 18 runs off 15 balls. In his first three IPL appearances, he has managed 25 runs with a strike rate of 119.05. He has been used as an impact substitute so far, but Mhatre’s injury could open the door for Sharma to earn a direct place in the XI.
