Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of IPL 2026 with a left hamstring injury. The 18-year-old suffered the injury while batting during CSK’s previous game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 18.

“Ayush’s injury will require a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks. We wish Ayush a speedy recovery,” CSK posted on social media. They are yet to name a replacement.

Mhatre walked into bat as Impact Player for fast bowler Gurjapneet Singh in the second over of CSK’s chase of 195 against SRH. He was on 30 off 12 balls when he clutched his left hamstring after completing a two on his captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s call. He immediately looked in pain and was tended to by the CSK physiotherapist.

Mhatre resumed his innings after the on-field treatment but hobbled for a single next ball. He was dismissed on the following delivery.

“It looks pretty bad, unfortunately. And he’s going to be a big, big loss because he’s been in really nice touch for us,” Mike Hussey, the CSK batting coach, said after the game.

Mhatre is CSK’s leading run-scorer so far this tournament with 201 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 177.87. CSK have Urvil Patel in the squad who could come in and bat at No. 3. The wicketkeeper-batter played three games last season and scored 68 runs, striking at 212.50.

CSK have already faced a string of injury setbacks this season. MS Dhoni is yet to play a game due to a calf strain, Fast bowler Nathan Ellis was ruled out of the entire season due to a hamstring injury, while his replacement Spencer Johnson is also working his way back from an injury and hasn’t joined the team as yet. Just last week, fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed was also ruled out due to a right quadricep injury.

It’s been a tough start to season for the five-time champions, who sit eighth on the points table with two wins and four losses after six games.