Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a major setback, with rising star Ayush Mhatre ruled out of the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2026 season due to a hamstring injury.

In an official statement, CSK confirmed, “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.” The franchise added that the youngster will need a rehabilitation period of six to twelve weeks and wished him a speedy recovery.

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Mhatre has been CSK’s leading run-scorer this season, amassing 201 runs in six innings at an average of 33.50 and an impressive strike rate of 177.87, including two half-centuries and a top score of 73. Since joining as an injury replacement for skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad last season, his rise has been a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent campaign. Across his stint so far, he has scored 441 runs in 13 innings at an average of 33.92 and a strike rate of 183.45, with three fifties.

CSK have struggled in IPL 2026, managing just two wins in six matches. They are currently placed eighth on the table, having most recently suffered a 10-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Mhatre’s absence further weakens the top order, where the openers Sanju Samson and Gaikwad are yet to deliver consistently. Meanwhile, veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni is still side-lined with a calf strain.

Injury troubles have plagued CSK throughout the season. Left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has also been ruled out, while South African batter Dewald Brevis missed the early part of the tournament before making his return. CSK will next face arch-rivals Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on April 23.