It's been an unfortunate run for Chennai Super Kings in the 2026 season of the IPL, and young batter Ayush Mhatre has joined the list of injured players during the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18th when he sustained a hamstring tear. At 18, he has been one of the few bright spots in what has otherwise been a disappointing season for the team, and his injury has further intensified the worries of the franchise. Having already struggled to maintain form and availability of key players due to injuries, CSK will have a much tougher task ahead of them in their quest to maintain competitiveness in the tournament. CSK's woes on the injury front continues. Chennai Super Kings already had a considerable number of key players ruled out due to injuries for the season, and MS Dhoni has not played a single game due to calf strain. They also had to rule out Khaleel Ahmed with quadriceps tear, while overseas player Nathan Ellis also missed the tournament with a hamstring tear and his replacement Spencer Johnson has been unavailable due to stress fracture. And now with the addition of Mhatre to the growing list, the concerns for the skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and the CSK management will be further elevated. CSK Batting Coach Mike Hussey revealed the injury after the post match press conference and claimed it seems like a serious one. Mike Hussey the CSK Batting coach revealed after the game: "Obviously a hamstring tear. I don't know how bad it is. I'm sure we'll scan him probably tomorrow or the next day, It looks pretty bad, unfortunately. And he's going to be a big, big loss because he's been in really nice touch for us." Hussey Added: "So, as much as we're really disappointed to lose Ayush - I don't know how long for - it's exciting for a new player to come in and get a chance." I mean I’m not sure, Hussey said. He was definitely not there too long after the injury, Ayush but I think it’s definitely going to have an effect on his batting, he was hitting the ball beautifully, hitting boundaries at will. I guess it's definitely going to have an effect definitely. Also Read | Kavya Maran Gesture Goes Viral in SRH vs CSK Clash Performance struggles increase worries CSK have had an inconsistent campaign thus far. Started of with three straight losses versus Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru and later bounced back with wins against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. This latest loss in their 6 matches has given them a total of just two wins which leaves them 7th on the table. India's spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also critiqued how the injury was handled during the course of the game: It could not have been a cramp as he has not fielded at all. Even if he has cramp even when not fielding the hydration needs to be questioned. Okay, let’s assume it was an injury and the physios come up to him, assess him and he's hobbling with a severe limp and you're asking him to take strike and run between the wickets again! I just cannot fathom as to why he did not retire out when he was clearly limping? Out of all the players Ayush Mhatre has been one of the performers in this season and I don't understand why they handled him with such carelessness. I was actually shocked to see that. Despite this injury, Mhatre has undoubtedly been one of the key players for CSK. He has amassed 201 runs in 6 matches at a strike rate of around 178 and his absence could seriously hamper CSK, with Urvil Patel being the likeliest candidate to step in for him. Considering the injuries, dip in form and the transition period, the Chennai Super Kings will now be facing a tough challenge to turn around their season.