Ayush Mhatre has been CSK’s best batter in IPL 2026. At 18 years old he scored 201 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 177.88 and his 73 off 43 balls against Punjab Kings remains the most intent-filled knock of CSK’s season.

Injury to Ayush Mhatre during SRH vs CSK IPL 2026 game

On April 18 against SRH in Hyderabad, Ayush Mhatre pulled up clutching his left hamstring while attempting a tight second run and despite being in visible agony was allowed to continue batting by the CSK management and physios.

Ayush Mhatre scored 30 off 13 balls before being dismissed the very next delivery after the injury and had to be assisted off the field by two people unable to walk on his own. Batting coach Mike Hussey has since confirmed a hamstring tear and Ayush Mhatre will undergo scans.

Hamstring tears of this nature typically sideline players for four to eight weeks which effectively ends his IPL 2026 campaign. CSK face Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede on April 23 and need to find a replacement for their most dangerous batter before then.

Here are the three options available to them.

3 players who can replace Ayush Mhatre in CSK XI

1. Urvil Patel the most logical like for like replacement for Ayush Mhatre

If CSK want to maintain the high-intent powerplay style that Ayush Mhatre brought to the top of the order Urvil Patel is the most obvious answer. Bought for Rs 30 lakh at the auction Ayush Mhatre holds the record for the fastest T20 hundred by an Indian batter, 28 balls, and brings the same fearless Mumbai-style attacking approach that Mhatre had been delivering.

Batting coach Mike Hussey’s comment that it is exciting for a new player to get a chance was widely read as a hint toward Urvil’s inclusion.

He had a strong domestic season and showed what he is capable of in IPL 2025 with a 19-ball 37.

“It’s a hamstring tear. Don’t know how bad it is. We’ll scan him probably tomorrow or the next day. I’m not sure, but yes, it looks pretty bad. Unfortunately, he’s going to be a big loss because he has been in nice touch,” Hussey told reporters.

“He is an exciting young talent, but it is going to give someone else an opportunity, so that’s exciting as well. We have got some really good players that haven’t gotten an opportunity, so it’s going to be exciting for one of those guys.

As much as we are really disappointed to lose Ayush, I don’t know for how long, but it’s exciting for a new player to come in and get a chance,” Hussey added.

Moving him to open allows Ruturaj Gaikwad to anchor from number three while Urvil attacks the powerplay in exactly the way Ayush Mhatre had been doing. Of the three options available this is the one that changes CSK’s batting structure the least and is assessed as the most likely outcome.

2. Kartik Sharma the expensive gamble that might finally get his chance for CSK

CSK paid Rs 14.2 crore for Kartik Sharma at the auction making him the joint most expensive uncapped player in IPL history alongside Prashant Veer.

That investment has not been justified so far with his highest score of the season being 18.

Ayush Mhatre’s injury creates a window for Kartik to finally get a sustained run in the XI and CSK’s management may decide that the vacancy at the top of the order is the right moment to give their most expensive uncapped buy the consistent opportunity he has not yet received.

He topped the six-hitting charts in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this season and can bat at three or even open. The pressure that comes with a Rs 14.2 crore price tag and a slow start to the season makes this a high-stakes selection but the vacancy at the top and the need for aggressive batting make the conversation inevitable.

3. MS Dhoni the option that changes everything for CSK if he is fit

This is the most complex of the three options for CSK and the one that depends entirely on a fitness update. Dhoni has been sidelined with a calf strain since before the season began and was seen back in the nets as recently as April 2 with the team being cautious about his return.

If Dhoni is fit for the Mumbai game the structural shift Ruturaj could make is significant. Matt Short, who scored 34 against SRH and is more comfortable at number three than at the top of the order, moves into the spot Mhatre vacated. Dhoni slots back at seven as the designated finisher whose presence alone changes how opposition captains set their death bowling plans.

The psychological impact of Dhoni returning at the Wankhede, one of cricket’s most atmospheric grounds, would be considerable and the tactical value of having the best finisher in IPL history available for the final four overs is something no replacement signing can replicate. The fitness question is the only obstacle and Ruturaj confirmed before the SRH game that Dhoni would be seen on the ground very soon.

Ravichandran Ashwin has taken the narrative to another level

The criticism of the injury management by R Ashwin in Hyderabad has taken the narrative to another level. “Your physios have come in and checked him. He was limping badly. Should he not have retired out. I don’t understand how they can handle him carelessly.”

CSK are currently seventh on the table with two wins from six games. Losing Ayush Mhatre is a serious blow to a side that was already struggling to find consistency. The four-day break before the Mumbai game gives the management time to make the right call on which of these three options gives them the best chance of turning a difficult season around.