Watch: 'Jo shots hain, usko back kar' – Ayush Mhatre reveals Dhoni's advice after IPL 2026 injury

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting star and India U19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre opened up about his selection for the Men in Yellow and his interaction with legendary captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Mhatre also shared how Dhoni’s words gave him confidence during a difficult phase after his IPL 2026 injury.

Mhatre revealed that Dhoni told him, “We have signed you and won’t be releasing you at all. Jo shots hain, usko back kar.” The CSK legend encouraged the young batter to trust his natural game and continue backing the shots he plays.

Dhoni’s advice had a strong impact on Mhatre and helped him stay confident after his injury. The young CSK star shared the memorable interaction while speaking about his journey with the franchise. 

Watch the viral video here:

Ayush Mhatre reveals Dhoni's "Jo shots hain, usko back kar" advice after IPL 2026 injury

 In a podcast with former cricketer Aakash Chopra, Ayush Mhatre revealed the advice he received from MS Dhoni after his IPL 2026 injury. Mhatre said Dhoni asked him to bat freely and continue playing his natural game. The young batter recalled Dhoni telling him, "He told me to bat freely, play your natural game, whatever you have been doing, bat freely." (Bat freely karo, jo tumhara natural game hai, wahi khelo.”) Dhoni also made it clear that Mhatre should not feel under pressure after being signed by the team.

Mhatre further revealed that Dhoni assured him that he would continue to back him. "Now that we have signed you, we will not drop you. So if you hit shots, then hit shots freely. If you don't, then stay within your limits and back your shots that you have and play freely,"(“Ab humne tumhe sign kar liya hai, hum tumhe drop nahi karenge. Jo shots hain, usko back karo aur freely khelo.”) Mhatre said while recalling Dhoni's advice. The message was focused on trusting his own abilities and playing according to his strengths.

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Mhatre added that Dhoni wanted him to play without fear or pressure. "There's no pressure, just go and hit freely," he recalled Dhoni saying. The advice from the former India captain encouraged Mhatre to trust his natural game, back his shots and express himself freely whenever he gets an opportunity to bat.

Ayush Mhatre injury background: Hamstring Tear vs SRH and what he said in the video

 Ayush Mhatre suffered a left hamstring injury while batting for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 18 during IPL 2026. The 18-year-old opener felt a pop in his hamstring while running. CSK later confirmed that Mhatre would need 6 to 12 weeks of rehabilitation, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

Recalling the incident, Mhatre explained that he initially felt the injury while batting in Hyderabad. With CSK scoring 60 runs in the powerplay, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad advised him to stay at the crease for a few more overs. Gaikwad told him, “You’re middling everything; stay a few more overs and then hit from the crease. Just stay 1–2 overs more, and then you can move inside.”

See also -IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings suffer setback as Ayush Mhatre ruled out with hamstring injury

However, what started as a small discomfort eventually became a bigger injury for Mhatre. The young opener was enjoying an impressive IPL 2026 season at the top of the order, making his absence a major setback for CSK. His injury also highlights how a minor hamstring issue can worsen if a player continues batting despite discomfort.

What happens next: Mhatre's recovery timeline and return for CSK

 Ayush Mhatre will now focus on his recovery after suffering a left hamstring injury during IPL 2026. Chennai Super Kings have confirmed that he will need around 6 to 12 weeks of rehabilitation. During this period, he will undergo treatment and follow a rehabilitation programme under the supervision of medical experts.

Mhatre's return to cricket will depend on how well he responds to rehabilitation and reaches full fitness. The young opener will need to regain his strength, flexibility and match fitness before returning to competitive cricket. CSK are expected to closely monitor his progress throughout the recovery period.

For CSK, Mhatre's absence is a major setback, especially after his strong performances at the top of the order. However, the franchise will focus on his complete recovery rather than rushing him back. If his rehabilitation progresses as expected, Mhatre could return to action after completing the required recovery and fitness assessments.