Huge trouble for Chennai Super Kings as star player likely to be ruled out of IPL 2026

If injury can make an impact in an event, then the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have found themselves in the worst position, as there are possibilities of their young number three batter, Ayush Mhatre, getting ruled out for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 as he picked up a hamstring injury against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). 

Mhatre has seemed to have torn his left hamstring, and it’s going to be a massive blow for the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side, who have begun to depend on the 18-year-old for a positive start. He has smashed 201 runs so far in this campaign at a strike rate of 177.87 with the help of two half-centuries.

Ayush Mhatre likely to get ruled out of IPL 2026

Ayush Mhatre walked out in the second over of the chase as the impact sub for Gurjapneet Singh after the fall of Sanju Samson. He made his way to a healthy knock of 30 runs off 12 balls when he stopped after running a two and clutched his hamstring.

The right-handed batter looked in serious pain and needed attention from the physiotherapist. After some treatment, he hobbled from end to end before being dismissed. Their batting coach, Michael Hussey, has outlined the depth of the injury during the press conference.

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“Obviously, a hamstring tear. I don't know how bad it is. 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.” Hussey expressed in the presser.

“He's an exciting young talent, but it's going to give someone else an opportunity. So that's exciting as well. We have some really talented players who haven't been given 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.” The CSK batting coach addressed.

CSK face another injury scare in IPL 2026

Ahead of the tournament, CSK’s death bowler, Nathan Ellis, was ruled out of the competition, for which they brought in Spencer Johnson, who is yet to arrive in India. During the event, they saw their former captain, MS Dhoni, getting injured and missing the first half of the competition. 

The Super Kings face another injury when Dewald Brevis was out of the tournament for the first few games, while Khaleel Ahmed has also been ruled out of the event due to a leg injury. And now, they have found themselves in a spot with Mhatre’s potential injury.

They may look to bring Urvil Patel into the eleven at number three for their next contest against the Mumbai Indians on April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.