IPL 2026: CSK coach confirms Ayush Mhatre's injury, talks about MS Dhoni's return

Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey has confirmed that teenage batting sensation and middle-order mainstay Ayush Mhatre suffered a serious injury during their encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Uppal on Saturday, April 18. CSK went on to lose the match by 10 runs after failing to chase down 195 in 20 overs.

Mhatre, who led India to the U19 World Cup title in February, pulled his hamstring after the second delivery of the fifth over during CSK’s innings while attempting a second run. The physio immediately rushed onto the field. Despite the injury, Mhatre chose to continue batting but was dismissed a couple of deliveries later.

“Oh well, it's 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, I'm not sure, but yeah, it looks pretty bad unfortunately,” Hussey told reporters after the match, without confirming whether Mhatre will be ruled out of the tournament.

“Yeah, he's going to be a big loss because he's been in really nice touch for us. He's an exciting young talent, but it's going to give someone else an opportunity, so that's exciting as well,” he added.

The CSK teenage sensation was looking in fine form and posed a real threat to SRH’s young fast bowlers, having raced to 30 off 13 balls before the injury hampered his impact. “I mean, he didn't last too many balls after the injury. But yeah, it's obviously going to affect his batting because he was hitting the ball so well and scoring,” Hussey said.

MS DHONI TO RETURN?

This setback adds to CSK’s growing injury concerns. The franchise has already lost four of their six games so far this season. They are also currently without veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni and fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed due to injuries.

Speaking about Dhoni’s recovery, Hussey said, “Not really, I’m not sure. If the physio is sitting here, maybe he could answer that. But look, he’s progressing nicely with his rehab, and I’m happy with how he’s batting.”

He further explained Dhoni’s recovery process: “It’s just about progressing with his running, because if he’s going to bat towards the back end of the innings, he’ll need to be able to run quick singles and twos. He just needs to build confidence in his running and improve his speed. I don’t know when he’ll play, but I’m hoping it’s sooner rather than later, like all the fans.”

CSK will next travel to Mumbai to face fellow five-time IPL champions at the Wankhede Stadium on April 23.

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