Watch: “Couldn’t understand…”- Ravichandran Ashwin slams CSK management for Ayush Mhatre’s injury during IPL 2026

When Chennai Super Kings’ number three, Ayush Mhatre, picked up a hamstring injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), it didn’t give a good picture. Later, Ruturaj Gaikwad made him run a single as Mhatre hobbled from one end to another. 

But despite medical treatment, the CSK management let the Mumbai-born stay at the crease before Ayush Mhatre was dismissed on the very next delivery. He failed to clear the mid-on fielder inside the ring when Heinrich Klassen jumped and grabbed a fine catch.

Ravichandran Ashwin blames CSK for Ayush Mhatre’s injury

The former Indian spin all-rounder, Ravichandran Ashwin, has slammed the management of Mhatre’s injury as he reckoned that they let the 18-year-old stay at the crease, which could have made it a Grade 2 hamstring. 

“It couldn’t have been a cramp because he did not field at all. Even if he had gotten cramps even when not fielding, then we have to look at his hydration. Okay, it’s not a cramp. Let’s assume it was an injury. Your physios have come in and checked him. He was limping badly, you are asking him to play another ball and making him run between wickets!” Ashwin expressed on his YouTube channel.

Watch the video here: 

The veteran questioned the rationale behind Mhatre’s usage and physical condition. He also felt that the issue of handling players has been going on for a long time on this side.

“I couldn’t understand. Should he not have retired when he was limping? In this season, Ayush has been one of the stars. I don’t understand how they can handle him carelessly.” Ashwin added.

“I was shocked. Everyone in the commentary box kept their mic on the table and watched what was happening with complete shock. Very, very surprising.” He concluded.

CSK face shocking defeat against SRH in IPL 2026

In the first innings, Sunrisers posted a massive score of 194 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Abhishek Sharma gave them the platform with 59 runs off 22 balls with the help of four sixes and six boundaries, while Heinrich Klassen also smashed 59 runs off 39 balls.

See Also: Watch: SRH Fan’s black magic shockingly dismisses Shivam Dube during SRH vs CSK clash in IPL 2026

CSK went off to a flying start with 76/2 inside the powerplay. But since then, they couldn’t get the rest of the runs at a required run rate of eight and fell short of the target by 10 runs. Eshan Malinga was excellent with his figures of 3/29 in four overs.

Chennai, currently seventh in the points table, will travel to the Wankhede Stadium for its next encounter against the Mumbai Indians.