CSK Injury Update: Mhatre Set to Miss Games and Dhoni Return Still a Mystery
Chennai Super Kings are dealing with a fresh injury headache heading into a crunch phase of IPL 2026. Young opener Ayush Mhatre has picked up a hamstring injury, and there is still zero clarity on when MS Dhoni will finally take the field this season.
Mhatre Hamstring Injury: What Happened?
Batting at No. 3 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ayush Mhatre looked in fine form before pulling up sharply while attempting a quick second run. He clutched his left hamstring, needed on-field attention more than once, and eventually had to be helped off the pitch by physio Tommy Simsek and team official Ramakrishna Ghosh.
Scans are scheduled for Monday, April 20, to determine the full extent of the damage.
Batting coach Michael Hussey was honest in his assessment after the match:
“It looks pretty bad unfortunately. He’s going to be a big loss because he’s been in really nice touch for us.”
Mhatre, just 18 years old, had been one of CSK’s brighter performers this season. His absence is a genuine blow to their top-order balance.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Player | Ayush Mhatre |
| Injury | Hamstring tear (left) |
| Scan Date | Monday, April 20 |
| Games to Miss | Multiple (TBC) |
| Next CSK Game | vs Mumbai Indians, April 23 |
Dhoni Return: Still No Timeline
MS Dhoni has not played a single game for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026 so far. He has been managing a calf strain throughout the early weeks of the season, and while he is travelling with the squad in Mumbai, there is still no confirmed return date.
Hussey offered a careful update on Dhoni’s status:
“He’s progressing nicely with his rehab. It’s just about progressing with his running. He needs to build confidence and improve his speed. I don’t know when he’ll play, but I’m hoping it’s sooner rather than later.”
The message is clear: Dhoni is not yet ready for match intensity, particularly the quick running between wickets that his lower-order role demands. Fans hoping for a return against Mumbai Indians on April 23 may need to wait a little longer.
Keep an eye on the CSK squad page for the latest on his availability as the season progresses.
Khaleel Ahmed Replacement Trials Underway
CSK are already dealing with a second injury absence. Khaleel Ahmed was ruled out of IPL 2026 entirely with a right quadriceps injury, and the team is actively trialling replacements.
- Akash Madhwal, the former Mumbai Indians pacer, attended CSK’s trials in Hyderabad
- Rajvardhan Hangargekar is expected to attend a trial with the team in Mumbai
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Khaleel Ahmed | Ruled out (quadriceps) |
| Akash Madhwal | Attended trial in Hyderabad |
| Rajvardhan Hangargekar | Trial in Mumbai (pending) |
Akash Madhwal is an interesting option given his experience in high-pressure IPL moments. Hangargekar, a hard-hitting all-rounder, could offer CSK some lower-order depth as well.
Check the IPL 2026 updates section for any official replacement announcement.
What This Means for CSK Going Forward
Chennai’s road ahead is not straightforward. They face Mumbai Indians on April 23 at Wankhede, one of the more intimidating venues in the tournament. Losing Mhatre at the top and still waiting on Dhoni creates a selection puzzle that Hussey and the management must now solve quickly.
The silver lining, according to Hussey, is opportunity:
“It’s going to give someone else an opportunity. We have some really good players who haven’t been able to get that opportunity. It’s exciting for one of those guys.”
For the CSK vs MI head-to-head history, this fixture has always been one of the most competitive in the competition, which makes team selection even more critical.
Keep tabs on the IPL 2026 points table to see how these injury setbacks may impact CSK’s playoff picture.
FAQs
How long will Ayush Mhatre be out for CSK?
Mhatre is set to miss a few games after picking up a hamstring injury against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Scans on April 20 will confirm the exact timeframe.
Has MS Dhoni played in IPL 2026 yet?
No. Dhoni has missed all of CSK’s matches so far due to a calf strain and there is still no confirmed return date.
Who is replacing Khaleel Ahmed in the CSK squad?
CSK are currently trialling Akash Madhwal and Rajvardhan Hangargekar as potential replacements for the injured Khaleel Ahmed.
When is CSK’s next IPL 2026 match?
Chennai Super Kings play Mumbai Indians on April 23 at Wankhede Stadium.
Will Dhoni play against Mumbai Indians on April 23?
There is no confirmation yet. Coaching staff have said he is progressing well but still needs to build confidence in his running before returning to match action.
