Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) leading run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Ayush Mhatre is set to spend three weeks on sidelines due to hamstring injury sustained during the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 18. Mhatre suffered a hamstring injury while taking a second run in the run chase.
As per the report by the Indian Express, Mhatre will miss at least four of CSK’s upcoming games. CSK's next fixture is at home against Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 23. Then, they host Gujarat Titans (GT) on April 26. They play MI again but in Chepauk on May 2. Then, they will head to Delhi to face Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 5.
As Mhatre is set to undergo scans on April 20 in Mumbai, the full extent of the injury is yet to be ascertained. While Mhatre is set to be out of action for three weeks, it would be premature to assume that he retains for the game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 10.
Mhatre had suffered the injury in the fifth over of the innings. After getting medical attention from physio Tommy Simsek, he got back on his feet again. He struggled to take a single and then got out playing a rash shot. He limped off the field with the help of teammate Ramakrishna Ghosh and the physio Simsek. It is not be noted that the youngster had his hamstring taped even before the injury. Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Mhatre was used as an impact player due to an injury he suffered beforehand.
Hussey says it’s a ‘big, big loss’
In the post-match press conference, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey had confirmed that Mhatre has suffered a hamstring tear and is likely to miss a few games.
“Obviously a hamstring tear. I don’t know how bad it is. I’m sure we’ll scan him probably tomorrow or the next day. 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,” Hussey said.
Chance for others to shine in Mhatre’s absence
Ahead of the MI clash, Hussey also said that Mhatre’s injury may lead to benched players getting a chance.
"He's an exciting young talent, but it's going to give someone else an opportunity. So that's exciting as well. We've got some really good players that haven't been able to get an opportunity. And so it's going to be exciting for one of those guys,” the former Australia batter said.
After the defeat to SRH, CSK are stayed at the seventh spot on the points table. It was their fourth loss from six games this season.