Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey revealed that Ayush Mhatre has suffered a hamstring tear, adding that "it looks pretty bad."
The 18-year-old right-handed batter appeared to be in discomfort while running between the wickets during CSK's Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Hussey said the full extent of the injury is yet to be determined pending a scan. However, he admitted the issue looks serious and could be a major setback, especially considering the youngster's impressive form.
"It's a hamstring tear. Don't know how bad it is. We'll scan him probably tomorrow or the next day. I'm not sure, but yes, it looks pretty bad. Unfortunately, he's going to be a big loss because he has been in nice touch," Michael Hussey said.
While CSK went down to SRH by 10 runs, Ayush Mhatre impressed with a brisk 30 off just 13 deliveries. He had also been in strong form earlier, scoring 38 off 17 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders, along with notable knocks of 59 against Delhi Capitals and 73 against Punjab Kings.
Michael Hussey added that Ayush Mhatre is a promising young talent, and while his absence would be disappointing if he misses games, it could also create an opportunity for another player in the squad to step up and make an impact.
"He is an exciting young talent, but it is going to give someone else an opportunity, so that's exciting as well. We have got some really good players that haven't gotten an opportunity, so it's going to be exciting for one of those guys. As much as we are really disappointed to lose Ayush, I don't know for how long, but it's exciting for a new player to come in and get a chance," he added.
Coming to the SRH vs CSK match, the Sunrisers edged past CSK by 10 runs in a closely fought encounter.
Batting first, SRH posted 194/9, driven by explosive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma (59 off 22 balls) and Heinrich Klaasen (59 off 39 balls).
Abhishek provided a blazing start with a record-fast fifty, while Klaasen anchored the innings after early wickets. CSK bowlers Jamie Overton (3/37), Anshul Kamboj (3/22), and Mukesh Choudhary (2/21) helped restrict SRH from crossing the 200-run mark despite a strong platform.
In reply, CSK had moments of control with quick contributions from Ayush Mhatre (30 off 13), Matthew Short (34 off 30), and Sarfaraz Khan (25 off 16).
However, SRH's bowlers, led by Eshan Malinga (3/29) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (2/31), tightened the screws in the middle and death overs. Key breakthroughs at regular intervals halted CSK's momentum, leaving them short despite a late push.
Chasing 195, CSK fell 10 runs short, finishing just behind after failing to accelerate in the final overs, with SRH's disciplined bowling proving decisive.
With the win, SRH climbed to fourth place in the IPL 2026 points table with three wins in six matches, while CSK slipped to seventh with two wins from six games.
(With inputs from ANI)