Due to a left hamstring injury, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ayush Mhatre will not play in the 2026 Indian Premier League. The 18-year-old was hurt while batting on April 18 in CSK’s previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
“Ayush’s injury will require a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks. We wish Ayush a speedy recovery,” CSK posted on social media. They are yet to name a replacement.
In the second over of CSK’s chase of 195 against SRH, Mhatre entered the bat as Impact Player for fast bowler Gurjapneet Singh. When he finished a two on his skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s call, he was on 30 off 12 balls and grabbed his left hamstring. He appeared to be in discomfort straightaway, and the CSK physiotherapist attended to him.
Following the on-field treatment, Mhatre continued his innings, but he staggered for the following ball. On the next delivery, he was sacked.
“It looks pretty bad, unfortunately. And he’s going to be a big, big loss because he’s been in really nice touch for us,” Mike Hussey, the CSK batting coach, had said after the game.
With 201 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 177.87, Mhatre is CSK’s top run scorer thus far this tournament. Urvil Patel, a member of CSK’s team, may bat at number three. In three games during the previous season, the wicketkeeper-batter scored 68 runs at a strike rate of 212.50.
This season, CSK has already seen a number of injury setbacks. owing to a calf strain, MS Dhoni has not yet played a game. Nathan Ellis, a fast bowler, was sidelined for the entire season owing to a hamstring injury, while Spencer Johnson, his replacement, is also recovering from an injury and has not yet joined the team. Khaleel Ahmed, a fast bowler, was also sidelined last week due to a right quadricep injury.
The five-time champions have had a difficult start to the season; after six games, they are eighth in the standings with two wins and four losses.
