Loan in RCB star: R Ashwin's suggestion to CSK after Ayush Mhatre injury

R Ashwin has made an intriguing suggestion to the Chennai Super Kings to address their injury crisis after losing Ayush Mhatre for the rest of the series. The former India spinner proposed that the five-time IPL champions bring RCB's U-19 star Vihaan Malhotra on loan for the remainder of the season, while also aiding in his development.

CSK faced a major setback on Tuesday, April 21, as Mhatre was ruled out of the rest of the campaign due to a hamstring injury sustained in the loss to SRH. Consequently, Chennai will be seeking a replacement player. However, Ashwin suggested utilising the loan system to bring in Vihaan from RCB or India U-19 wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu.

"With so many injuries on the horizon! The loan window closes after the 7th game mark & it will be a great idea to loan this sensational talent from RCB. He hasn’t played a single game so far, hence it is a viable option. If not Vihaan, Abhigyan Kundu is also a left-handed option that can be groomed, keeping 'FUTURE CORE' in mind," said Ashwin on X.

A fan on social media, however, questioned the logic behind such a move between RCB and CSK, given the rivalry between both teams and their pursuit of a playoff spot.

Ashwin pointed out that RCB are comfortably set to reach the final four while CSK aren't competing with them at the moment. The former spinner believes it is a good opportunity for Bengaluru to make some money and give Vihaan the chance to grow.

"One team is comfortably placed and the other isn’t competing with them at the moment, so there is an opportunity to make some cash and the player also gets a chance to play & he is going to be back with the original franchise after a few games," said Ashwin.

DOES IPL HAVE A LOAN SYSTEM?

The loan system is something that exists in football leagues around the globe. Such a system was introduced in the IPL in 2018, allowing teams to loan in uncapped players from other teams.

In 2018, the IPL introduced a five-day mid-season window during which franchises were allowed to loan only uncapped players. A year later, the rule was expanded to permit the loan of capped players as well.

Only players who have featured in a maximum of two matches—either as part of the playing XI or as a concussion substitute—are eligible to be loaned. A player can be loaned only once in a season. Additionally, IPL playing conditions state that the loaned player “may not” play against the franchise that loaned him out.

However, no IPL teams have utilised the loan system so far, with most opting for replacements in case of injuries. Vihaan was acquired by RCB for his base price of Rs. 30 Lakhs during the IPL 2026 auction.

Vihaan scored 240 runs in seven matches and picked five wickets as India won the title.

IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score