Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been hit by a worrying injury blow, with young batter Ayush Mhatre sustaining a hamstring tear during the narrow 10-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2026. The No. 3 batter had once again given CSK the early momentum they have often lacked this season, but his promising innings ended abruptly after he picked up the injury while pushing for a second run alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Mhatre had looked in good touch, scoring a brisk 20 off 13 balls and helping CSK get off to a positive start in a tricky chase. However, the mood changed quickly when he pulled up, clutching his left hamstring. Medical staff rushed in immediately, and although he tried to continue for a short while, it was clear he was not moving freely.

His discomfort became more obvious with every passing delivery. Mhatre struggled to run between the wickets and was eventually dismissed when Heinrich Klaasen took the catch off Nitish Reddy. On his way back to the dugout, he had to be supported by Ramakrishna Ghosh and team physio Taifun Simsek, unable to walk off on his own.

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After the match, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed the setback and admitted the signs did not look encouraging. “Obviously it is a hamstring tear,” Hussey told reporters after the match.

BAD NEWS FOR CHENNAI SUPER KINGS ❌

Hussey said “Ayush Mhatre has hamstring tear, I don’t know how bad it is – we will have scan but it looks really bad unfortunately, could be big loss”. pic.twitter.com/8zoNnCc81I

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 19, 2026

“Don’t know how bad it is. We’ll scan him probably tomorrow or the next day. I’m not sure, but yes, it looks pretty bad. Unfortunately, he’s going to be a big loss because he has been in nice touch. He is an exciting young talent, but it is going to give someone else an opportunity, so that’s exciting as well. We have got some really good players that haven’t gotten an opportunity, so it’s going to be exciting for one of those guys.”

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“As much as we are really disappointed to lose Ayush, I don’t know for how long, but it’s exciting for a new player to come in and get a chance,” he added.

The injury adds to CSK’s growing fitness concerns in IPL 2026, and the franchise will now wait for scan results ahead of their next fixture against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. With a short turnaround, a replacement may be required quickly, and Urvil Patel is among the names being considered.