IPL 2026, the 27th match played between SRH and CSK, saw CSK losing the game by 10 runs at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad. The upcoming star player from CSK, Ayush Mhatre, sustained a serious injury during the game. While batting, he sustained a hamstring strain, rendering him unavailable for at least three weeks.

According to a report in the Indian Express, he could be out of action for about three weeks. Mhatre came in as an impact player and, after scoring 30 runs off 12 balls, tried to take two runs and pulled his hamstring. He felt severe pain and sat down on the field. Team physio Tommy Simsek immediately arrived on the field to provide medical assistance.

During the play, he seemed to have difficulties running between the wickets and was dismissed after just a few balls. Heinrich Klaasen made a spectacular catch on a delivery bowled by Nitish Reddy. As he left the ground with Ramakrishna Ghosh and physio, Taifun Simsek assisting him.

Mhatre will undergo a scan after arriving in Mumbai on Monday, where Chennai's next match is against Mumbai Indians (MI) on Thursday. The relief is that Mhatre is currently pain-free and is able to walk around without discomfort. This raises hopes that he may return in the later stages of the tournament. However, the full extent of the injury will only be known after the scan.

Batting coach Mike Hussey said, "It's a hamstring tear. We don't know how bad it is yet. We'll have a scan tomorrow or the day after. It looks pretty bad. He'll be a big loss for us, as he was in excellent form."

Mhatre has been providing the team with early strength by batting at number three this season. Considering Ruturaj Gaikwad's form, there were also considerations of sending him to open alongside Sanju Samson. His absence would be a major headache for the already struggling CSK.

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin questioned the team management's attitude on his YouTube channel. He said, "When he came to bat, he had a bandage on his knee. He has been playing as an impact sub for the last two-three matches. The injury was already a concern. If he didn't field, it wasn't because of cramps. The physio noticed he was limping, yet he was still made to play and run. Why wasn't the faltering player retired out? It was shocking to see this."

CSK has a four-day gap before facing Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. The team could give Urvil Patel a chance in place of Ayush. Urvil has scored a century in 28 balls in T20 cricket and played at number 3 for CSK last season.