Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a major setback with young batter Ayush Mhatre sustaining a hamstring tear during their narrow 10-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).
Batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed the injury after the match, admitting the early signs were worrying and that the in-form No. 3 could be sidelined for a considerable period.
Ayush Mhatre, who scored a brisk 20 off 13 balls, once again provided the early impetus CSK have often lacked this season. However, his promising knock was cut short when he pulled up while attempting a second run alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. The youngster was seen clutching his left hamstring and immediately required medical attention on the field.
Although he chose to continue briefly, Mhatre was clearly struggling to run between the wickets. His discomfort was evident as he laboured through the next few deliveries before being caught by Heinrich Klaasen off Nitish Reddy. On his way back, he had to be assisted off the field by Ramakrishna Ghosh and team physio Taifun Simsek, unable to walk unaided.
“Obviously it is a hamstring tear,” Hussey told reporters after the match. “Don’t know how bad it is. We’ll scan him probably tomorrow or the next day. I’m not sure, but yes, it looks pretty bad. Unfortunately, he’s going to be a big loss because he has been in nice touch. He is an exciting young talent, but it is going to give someone else an opportunity, so that’s exciting as well. We have got some really good players that haven’t gotten an opportunity, so it’s going to be exciting for one of those guys.”
“As much as we are really disappointed to lose Ayush, I don’t know for how long, but it’s exciting for a new player to come in and get a chance,” he added.
CSK’s Injury Woes And Replacement Options
The injury adds to CSK’s growing list of fitness concerns this season, raising fears that Mhatre could miss a substantial part of the tournament. With a four-day break before their next fixture against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, the team will be awaiting the scan results.
Urvil Patel, who has previously impressed in the middle order, is among the leading candidates to step in as a replacement.
