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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered 'a big, big loss' as described by their batting coach Michael Hussey in the post-match presentation. CSK's leading run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the tournament.
Mhatre suffered a left hamstring injury while batting in the run chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 18. He will need 6-12 weeks to complete his rehabilitation.
Mhatre's replacement will be announced in due course.
CSK is set to test a new batter in the no.3 role when they go up against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium on April 23. Urvil Patel is one of the frontrunners to replace Mhatre.
Mhatre's numbers in IPL 2026
From six innings, Mhatre scored 201 runs at an average of 33.50, including two half-centuries. His strike rate was 177.83. Mhatre took the no.3 role after skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad promoted himself to open alongside wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson.
CSK's injury list
Mhatre becomes third CSK player to get ruled out of IPL 2026. Australian pacer Nathan Ellis did not even join the camp as he was ruled out due to hamstring injury. Left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out due to quadriceps injury. CSK have called in several players for trials to replace him the pacer in the squad.
Meanwhile, CSK don't have a definitive answer over MS Dhoni's availability. Dhoni has been running and facing throwdowns in the nets but there is no official word on whether he will play against MI.
Also, Ellis' replacement, Spencer Johnson is yet to join the squad. He was expected to join the camp this week.
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