Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are in danger of another injury blow in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, this time in the form of their rising star Ayush Mhatre. The budding talent was seen limping on the field while chasing a target of 195 against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, April 18.
After the match, CSK coach Michael Hussey shared a worrying update about Ayush Mhatre’s injury. His injury could be serious, as Hussey told the post-match press conference.
CSK batting coach gives big update on Ayush Mhatre
Ayush Mhatre is one of the key pieces for Chennai Super Kings in 2026. Since joining the team last year, the Under-19 Team India captain has been shining for the IPL team. This season also he is in good form for Chennai Super Kings. But fresh injury scare could be a major blow to the team, which is situated in the bottom half of the points table.
After the match, Hussey told that Ayush has suffered a hamstring injury. His medical scan will be done and after that the team management will have a clear idea of ​​how serious the injury is. But this can be a big loss for the team.
Michael Hussey said, “Ayush Mhatre has a hamstring injury, I don’t know how bad it is – we’ll get a scan, but it looks really bad, unfortunately, could be a big loss.”
The batsman looked uncomfortable during the run chase
The top-order batsman was limping and looking in discomfort while running between the wickets. But, to everyone’s surprise, the management instead of taking precautionary measures allowed it to proceed. Mhatre performed well in his short cameo, scoring 30 runs in 13 balls with five fours and a six before losing his wicket to Nitish Kumar Reddy.
The physio also came to the field and examined the batsman and then allowed the batsman to face the balls. As the batsman was struggling, the decision taken by the CSK management surprised the cricket fans and even some cricket experts.
Ravichandran Ashwin criticizes CSK management for allowing Mhatre to continue batting
Former CSK player Ravichandran Ashwin discussed the matter during an online chat, saying, “While batting, he came with a bandage on his knee. For 2-3 matches, he has been playing as an impact sub. People are asking, ‘Why is he an impact player? Is he not a good fielder? His injury has been a matter of concern.’
Criticizing the management for not handling Ayush Mhatre’s injury properly, Ashwin said, “It can’t be cramp because he didn’t even field. If he had cramp even when he wasn’t fielding, we have to look at his hydration. Okay, it’s not cramp. Let’s assume it was an injury. Your physio came and examined him. He was limping badly, you’re asking him to play the second ball.” And asking them to run between the wickets.”
With Ayush Mhatre on the field, CSK got off to a good start despite giving away two early wickets in the form of Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Mhatre and Matt Short tried to stabilize the run chase. Due to lack of long innings from other batsmen of the team, SRH restricted CSK to 184 runs in 20 overs.
Read More: IPL Points Table 2026: Updated Standings, Orange Cap, Purple Cap after SRH vs CSK Match 27
