Ayush Mhatre, the captain of India's U19 World Cup-winning team and a key player for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has been ruled out of the IPL 2026 season due to a left hamstring injury sustained during a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. Mhatre shared an emotional message on social media, expressing his disappointment and determination to return stronger, thanking fans for their support. CSK confirmed that he will require a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks. Before his injury, Mhatre was CSK’s most consistent batter, scoring 201 runs at an average of 33.50 and a striking rate of 177.88, making him the team's highest run-scorer this season. His absence adds to CSK's injury woes, which already include bowlers Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis, as well as former captain MS Dhoni, who is recovering from a calf injury. CSK's recent performance has seen them drop to seventh place in the points table, with only four points from six matches, as they prepare to face the Mumbai Indians next.