Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly criticised Chennai Super Kings for what he felt was careless handling of Ayush Mhatre’s fitness during their IPL 2026 defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday. The former CSK spinner said he was left shocked by the way the young batter was allowed to continue despite clearly struggling with an injury, calling the entire sequence deeply concerning.
Mhatre, one of CSK’s bright spots this season, walked in with a heavy knee strap and had already been used as an Impact Player in recent matches to manage his workload. Trouble began in the power play when he was visibly limping between the wickets. Even after physios checked on him, he was sent back out to bat.
The situation grew worse when Ruturaj Gaikwad called for a quick single while Mhatre was still moving awkwardly. The teenager got through the run, narrowly avoided a run-out, and was dismissed on the next ball while trying to force an attack. His 30 off 17 was ultimately overshadowed by the visible pain he was in. Ashwin did not hold back in his assessment.
“Ayush Mhatre’s injury: I hope he is back, but by the look of it, I fear he will be out for a while,” he was quoted as saying on his YouTube show. He also questioned why Mhatre was being used in that condition. “While coming into bat, he came with a strap on his knee. For 2-3 matches, he has been playing as Impact Sub. People are asking ‘Why he is an Impact Player? Is he not a good fielder?’. His injury has been a concern.”
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Ashwin was especially critical of the response from CSK’s medical staff and on-field management. “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!”
🚨 Ravichandran Ashwin blasts CSK’s injury management 🚨
He says Ayush could be out for a while 😭
He questions how Deepak Chahar stays fit while playing for Mumbai Indians, but often gets injured at Chennai Super Kings. He also points out that teams like Rajasthan Royals… pic.twitter.com/r8QEWpLbWf
— Shyam (@Shyam_1200) April 18, 2026
“I couldn’t understand. Should he have not retired out when he was limping? In this season, Ayush Mhatre has been one of the stars. I don’t understand how they can handle him carelessly. 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 then widened the criticism, saying CSK have repeatedly struggled with injury management over the years.
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“I have been saying this for long. CSK have been hit with such injuries season after season. Deepak Chahar has played 3 years for CSK. He played a total of 16 games. But, for Mumbai Indians, he played 14 matches straight. Injury management starts well before a season begins and goes year long.”
Reflecting on his time with Rajasthan Royals, Ashwin added that sustained monitoring is what makes the difference.
“When I had a knee injury, Rajasthan Royals monitored me the whole year. Muscle injuries, which happen during the season, can be easily avoided. If every year, someone gets injured, how can you find players? You won’t get them in bazars.”
