Ravichandran Ashwin Urges Chennai Super Kings to Consider Loan Move for RCB's Vihaan Malhotra
Ravichandran Ashwin pushes urgent RCB loan move as CSK scramble after Ayush Mhatre injury blow
Hindustan Times
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Ravichandran Ashwin has recommended that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) seek a loan for Vihaan Malhotra from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) following Ayush Mhatre's injury, which sidelines him for IPL 2026. With multiple injuries affecting CSK, Ashwin emphasizes the urgency of this move as the loan window closes soon.
- 01Ayush Mhatre ruled out of IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury.
- 02Mhatre scored 201 runs in six matches before his injury.
- 03Ashwin suggests CSK should loan Vihaan Malhotra from RCB.
- 04Alternative option proposed: Abhigyan Kundu, a U-19 wicketkeeper-batter.
- 05The IPL loan window closes after the seventh match.
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Ravichandran Ashwin has called for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to act swiftly in securing a loan for Vihaan Malhotra from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after Ayush Mhatre was ruled out for the rest of IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury. Mhatre, a key player for CSK, had scored 201 runs at a strike rate of 177.87 in six matches before sustaining the injury during a match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. With multiple injuries affecting the team, including that of MS Dhoni, Ashwin highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the loan window closes after the seventh match. He also suggested considering India U-19 wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu as a long-term option, even though Kundu was not part of the IPL auction pool. Ashwin pointed out that RCB, currently in a strong position in the points table, might see this as a commercial opportunity to loan a player to a rival team, allowing the player to gain experience while also benefiting RCB financially. The IPL loan rules allow players who have played 0 to 2 matches to be eligible for loans, with the loaned player remaining with the borrowing franchise for the rest of the season but unable to play against their parent team.
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If CSK successfully secures a loan for Vihaan Malhotra, it could stabilize their batting lineup and improve their chances in the ongoing IPL season.
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