CSK gets a big shock during IPL 2026! Ayush Mhatre out of the tournament, these 5 players can take his place; What is the update on Dhoni?

By Samira Vishwas On Apr 21, 2026

Chennai Super Kings Has suffered a big setback amid IPL 2026. The team’s young star batsman Ayush Mhatre is out of the entire season due to left hamstring injury. The franchise issued an official statement saying that he will need rehabilitation for 6 to 12 weeks, due to which his IPL 2026 campaign is over.

Ayush Mhatre suffered this injury in the match played against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 18 April. In that match, the 18-year-old batsman had made a great start and scored 24 runs against Praful Hinge in the third over.

Official Announcement Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 due to a left hamstring injury sustained while batting during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18.Ayush’s injury will require a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks.We wish Ayush… pic.twitter.com/7bGrFvqjY9
—Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 21, 2026

Mhatre scored 30 runs in 13 balls and gave a fast start to CSK, but while trying to take a double, he suffered a hamstring injury. After the injury, his movement was affected and he was out after two balls. The course of the match also changed from here and Sunrisers Hyderabad won the match by 10 runs.

How was Ayush Mhatre’s performance in IPL 2026?

Ayush Mhatre was emerging among the most reliable batsmen of CSK in IPL 2026. He scored 201 runs in 6 matches at a strike rate of 177.88. During this period, two half-centuries came from his bat. With a high strike rate, he was giving a strong start to the team and was playing an important role in the top order.

Which players of CSK got injured?

CSK is already struggling with injuries in the Indian Premier League 2026. legendary batsman MS Dhoni Khaleel Ahmed is suffering from calf strain and quadriceps injury, while Nathan Ellis is already out.

Which 5 players can replace Ayush Mhatre?

Deepak Hooda: IPL experience and useful option in the middle order. Has been a part of CSK in IPL 2025.
Swastik Chikara: Aggressive opener. Recently he came into limelight with his inning of 195 runs in 69 balls.
Atharva Taide: Vidarbha captain, brilliant performance in Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Manan Vohra: Experienced top order batsman, completed 10,000 runs in domestic cricket.
Yash Dhull: Young batsman, consistent good performance in domestic cricket.

When will Dhoni return to the field?

The relief news for CSK is that MS Dhoni can make a comeback soon. Dhoni recently started training with the team and is likely to return in the match against Mumbai Indians. CSK batting coach Mike Hussey said that Dhoni is working on his running and fitness. They may be ready to play the match soon.