Chennai Super Kings is going through one of the most challenging periods of its IPL 2026. Already sitting seventh on the points table with two wins from six games, they now face the prospect of missing their most in-form batter for the next few weeks after 18-year-old Ayush Mhatre suffered a hamstring tear during Saturday’s ten-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad.
The Mhatre blow compounds an already long injury list at CSK. The franchise lost Australian pacer Nathan Ellis before the season began, then saw MS Dhoni sidelined with a calf strain, Dewald Brevis miss early games due to injury, and Khaleel Ahmed also pick up a hamstring problem.
What Happened to Mhatre During the SRH Match
Ayush Mhatre came in as an Impact Sub for Gurjapneet Singh, walked out in the second over of CSK’s chase at the fall of Sanju Samson’s wicket, and raced to 30 off 12 balls before pulling up after running a two and clutching his hamstring. He received lengthy on-field treatment from physio Tommy Simsek but stayed at the crease briefly before being caught by Heinrich Klaasen off Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Mhatre had to be physically assisted off the field by support staff, unable to walk to the dugout under his own power.
Former India off-spinner R Ashwin was openly critical of how CSK handled the situation. Ashwin pointed out that Mhatre had come to bat with a strap on his knee and had not fielded at all in the match, questioning why the team did not retire him out when he was clearly limping rather than ask him to continue batting and running between wickets.
How Long Will Mhatre Be Out?
Michael Hussey, CSK batting coach, confirmed the injury at the post-match press conference, saying it was a hamstring tear, but they have yet to determine the severity until scans are done. Mhatre is set to be out for three weeks and underwent scans in Mumbai, where CSK played their next fixture against the Mumbai Indians on April 23.
No definite timeline is known until scan results are confirmed, as a hamstring tear can take up to six months to heal, depending on the grade.
Mhatre had been CSK’s standout batter this season. He scored 38 off 17 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders, 59 against Delhi Capitals, and 73 against Punjab Kings — numbers that made his absence feel especially sharp at a time CSK needed consistency at the top. Hussey called it a significant loss but noted it opened a door for others in the squad. Urvil Patel, who hit a 28-ball century in T20 cricket and previously batted at number three for CSK, is considered a strong replacement option.
SUGGESTED READ: Death-Bowling Masterclass Powers Sunrisers Hyderabad to 10-Run Win Over Chennai Super Kings
Dhoni’s Return Adds to CSK’s Uncertainty
On Dhoni specifically, there is still no firm return date. Hussey confirmed Dhoni is fit to bat and progressing well in his running, but there has been no official confirmation on when he will be available to play. Sources had indicated his return could come for the clash against the Mumbai Indians on April 23 or the game against the Gujarat Titans on April 26, though CSK’s management has been cautious about setting timelines publicly.
CSK cannot afford to lose their two players as their playoff window is closing, and their season is on the line. The way in which the team handles this crisis of injury in the next two or three weeks might be the key determinant in how they will be placed in IPL 2026.
For the latest IPL news and updates, follow JeetWin Sports.
