CSK have been struggling with their recent injuries at a time when they were looking to gain some momentum in their IPL 2026 campaign. Star batsman Ayush Mhatre is facing a major injury in his last game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, which has increased his concerns.
Chennai Super Kings started the season with a hat-trick of defeats and did not look like a team that had the ability to make a comeback. However, they did not give up and with some brilliant performances from Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre and their fast bowlers, they clawed their way back into the contest.
The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side won the next two matches by defeating Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. However, their winning streak ended very soon as they lost their sixth game to Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Ayush Mhatre out of IPL 2026? CSK gets a big blow before MI clash
There may not have been a lot of positives for CSK in their last season of 2025, but they have certainly made progress in identifying one of their future stars in the form of young Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre, who led India’s U19 team to World Cup victory in 2026.
After having a great year, Mhatre came in with immense confidence and there was no looking back after the second game. Ayush scored 201 runs in his 6 matches this season and performed brilliantly, scoring two half-centuries.
As per Cricbuzz report, after suffering an injury in the last game against SRH, Mhatre was short of space and this time he has been ruled out of the upcoming games in the 2026 season. This will be a big blow for CSK before the clash against MI at young Mhatre’s home ground Wankhede.
CSK continues to look to replace injured Khaleel Ahmed in IPL 2026
CSK suffered a major blow before the game against Sunrisers as one of their star bowlers, Khaleel Ahmed, was ruled out for the rest of the season. Khalil gave runs with the new ball but also took wickets.
Now Chennai is trialling players to replace the fast bowler for the season. According to the latest report by Cricbuzz, young fast bowler Akash Madhwal has already given trials in Hyderabad for the Chennai Super Kings camp.
Former CSK young fast bowler Rajvardhan Hungergekar will once again give trials as a replacement option for Khaleel. The fast bowler is widely known for his sheer pace and superb ability to bowl quality overs in the death overs.
Will MS Dhoni make an IPL comeback against MI?
Another big concern for Chennai Super Kings is the unavailability of their experienced keeper-batsman MS Dhoni in the opening matches of the season. Dhoni is out of the team due to injuries and has been undergoing rehabilitation since then.
Fans were overjoyed as the veteran player joined the Men in Yellow camp and traveled with the team to the city of Hyderabad, and has now reportedly traveled to Mumbai as well. However, Dhoni’s availability for the upcoming game against MI at Wankhede is still not confirmed.
Also read: MI issues official bulletin on Rohit Sharma’s injury ahead of GT clash