• By Sports desk
  • Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:15 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a massive blow as young opener Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with a hamstring injury.

The 18-year-old, who led India to an Under-19 World Cup win, picked up the injury while batting against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18.

 

"Official Announcement: 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" The franchise confirmed the news in an official statement.

Mhatre's performance in IPL 2026

Mhatre has been CSK’s best batter this season so far. In six innings, he scored 201 runs at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate close to 178, including two half-centuries, with a top score of 73.

His journey with the franchise has been impressive. He joined CSK last season as a replacement for captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and quickly made an impact. Since then, he has scored 441 runs in 13 innings at an average of 33.92 and a strike rate above 183, with three fifties. For a team that has struggled with consistency, his rise has been one of the few bright spots.

CSK's performance in IPL 2026

So far this season, CSK have managed just two wins in six matches. They are currently placed eighth on the points table and are coming off a 10-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Mhatre’s absence leaves a big gap at the top of the order. The Indian opening pair, including Sanju Samson and skipper Gaikwad, have not been consistent so far. On top of that, veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni is still recovering from a calf injury and has not returned yet.

Injuries have troubled CSK throughout the season. Left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has also been ruled out, while South African batter Dewald Brevis missed the start of the tournament due to injury, though he is back now.

CSK will now face their rivals Mumbai Indians (MI), on April 23 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Earlier, there were reports that cricketing legend MS Dhoni will also likely to feature in the same clash.

 

CSK will next face their biggest rivals, Mumbai Indians, at the Wankhede Stadium on April 23.


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