Chennai Super Kings have suffered a major blow in IPL 2026. Young opener Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the rest of the season.
The 18-year-old tore his left hamstring during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. He will need six to 12 weeks of rehab.
What The Franchise Said
CSK confirmed the news in an official statement on Tuesday. The team said Mhatre will need a rehab period of six to 12 weeks. This timeline pushes him past the end of the current season.
“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,” the franchise said. The statement added that the team wished him a speedy recovery.
How The Injury Happened
Mhatre came in as an impact sub for Gurjapneet Singh. He replaced Sanju Samson’s slot at the top after the opener fell early in the chase of 195.
The 18-year-old started in fine touch. He hit Praful Hinge for 24 runs in the third over. He raced to 30 off 12 balls with five fours and one six.
Trouble struck in the fifth over. Mhatre pulled up while going for a second run and sat down in pain. The team physio rushed onto the field. Mhatre chose to bat on but lost his wicket two balls later.
Mhatre’s Season So Far
Mhatre had been a bright spot in CSK’s batting line-up. He scored 201 runs in 6 matches. His strike rate stood at 177.88. He registered two fifties during this run.
His aggressive starts at the top gave CSK early momentum in several games. His loss leaves a clear gap in the power-play plans.
More Injury Trouble For CSK
Mhatre is the third CSK player ruled out this season. Pacer Khaleel Ahmed is out with a grade 2 quadriceps tear. Australian bowler Nathan Ellis was ruled out earlier.
Former captain MS Dhoni is also yet to play a game. He is still recovering from a calf strain picked up before the tournament.
