Hyderabad, 19 April (H.S.):

Chennai Super Kings' batting coach Michael Hussey delivered sobering news on young gun Ayush Mhatre's hamstring injury, confirming it appears pretty bad after Saturday's gripping IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The 18-year-old right-hander dazzled with a blistering 30 off 12 balls as an impact sub during CSK's chase of 195, but crumpled mid-run, clutching his hamstring in agony. On-field medics attended immediately; Mhatre limped on to smash a fierce extra-cover drive before Henrikh Klaasen pouched a screamer.

Post-match, Hussey revealed: It's clearly a hamstring tear—scans tomorrow will clarify severity. He's been in scintillating form; his absence would hurt, but it opens doors for other talents raring to shine.

SRH posted 194/9 before edging CSK (184/8) by 10 runs. CSK faces Mumbai Indians on April 23.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar