Chennai Super Kings are in a really difficult position in the IPL 2026 season. They are at the 7th position on the points table with only 2 wins from 6 matches. Now, they have suffered another big blow with the youngest opener Ayush Mhatre being injured in the hamstring.
The 18-year-old has been the most prolific batter for five-time champions Chennai, who dropped to seventh place in the 10-team league after Saturday’s defeat by Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The top-order batter milked 30 off 12 balls but was seen clutching his hamstring and required lengthy on-field treatment before being dismissed.
“Obviously a hamstring tear. I don’t know how bad it is,” Chennai batting coach Mike Hussey told reporters after the match. “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.” Mhatre has scored 201 runs across six innings at a healthy 177-plus strike rate.
Everyone’s heart broke when Ayush Mhatre got injured💔
– Well Played Ayush Mhatre 🫡 pic.twitter.com/svV7Rlf0KS
— Sam (@Cricsam01) April 19, 2026
“He’s an exciting young talent, but it’s going to give someone else an opportunity. So that’s exciting as well,” Hussey said.
“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.
“So, as much as we’re really disappointed to lose Ayush – I don’t know how long for – it’s exciting for a new player to come in and get a chance.”
In six matches played, CSK’s scores have fluctuated wildly, from a low of 127 all out against Rajasthan Royals to totals of 209/5 and 212/2 in other games. Despite posting 200+ scores twice, CSK have still ended up losing matches. Their most recent outing saw them fall short at 184/8 while chasing 194, losing by 10 runs. While individual performances like Sanju Samson’s 115 off 56 have stood out, the lack of collective consistency continues to hurt them.
(With inputs from Reuters)
