In what comes as a big blow for the Chennai Super Kings, Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). The number three batter sustained a hamstring injury in the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 18 after being forced to run a double before the end of the powerplay. CSK have already been grappling with multiple injuries in the ongoing season, and Ayush joins the list of Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis on the list of players who are set to miss the rest of the season.
Ayush Mhatre out of IPL 2026
Mhatre was, by far, one of CSK’s best players in IPL 2026, and his injury comes as a huge blow to the team. He scored 201 runs in 6 matches, at a strike rate of 177.87 and an average of 33.50. CSK will now be forced to look for a mid-season injury replacement for Mhatre and it won’t be an easy job, as there are hardly such impactful players who are left in the fray.
“Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 due to a left hamstring injury sustained while batting during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. Ayush’s injury will require a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks. We wish Ayush a speedy recovery,” CSK informed in an official statement issued on April 21.
Mhatre’s injury could be a result of CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s rushed decision to take a double in the fifth over run-chase against SRH. While he was attended to by the physio immediately, CSK refused to send the young batter back to the dugout and instead allowed him to play a couple of more balls, where he was also forced to run between the wickets. Several former cricketers, including Ravichandran Ashwin, criticised this move and flagged that this could impact CSK in IPL 2026, and that has now taken place.
Mhatre joined CSK as an injury replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad. The youngster brought an attacking brand of cricket to CSK’s top-order, something which the side seriously lacked before his arrival. With 240 runs from 7 matches at an average of 34.28, Mhatre indeed was one of the best things to happen to CSK in what was a forgettable season for them.
Mhatre’s departure from IPL 2026 leaves CSK with a huge void to fill. And, it certainly can’t be MS Dhoni – given that the 44-year-old is struggling with injuries and can’t bat over 10 deliveries. Therefore, CSK’s chances of making it to the IPL 2026 playoffs is now further jepordized.
