‘Shocking’: R Ashwin questions CSK after Ayush Mhatre forced to bat through injury

Former India spinner R Ashwin has strongly criticised Chennai Super Kings for their handling of young batter Ayush Mhatre's injury during their IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, describing the situation as shocking and avoidable.

Mhatre, who has been one of CSK's promising performers this season, appeared to be in visible discomfort while batting, raising concerns among viewers and commentators about player welfare and injury management.

Ayush Mhatre continued batting despite visible discomfort

The controversy began when Ayush Mhatre walked in to bat with heavy strapping on his knee. During his innings, the youngster was seen limping and struggling to move freely between the wickets.

Despite repeated signs of discomfort and physios attending to him on the field more than once, he continued batting and even ran quick singles, which appeared to worsen his condition.

Mhatre eventually scored 30 runs off 17 deliveries before being dismissed, but his physical discomfort remained the central talking point after the match.

Ashwin questions CSK decision-making

Speaking on his YouTube show, Ashwin expressed disbelief at the way the situation was handled, questioning why the team management allowed the batter to continue despite clear signs of injury.

He noted that Mhatre had already been playing as an Impact Player in recent matches, which had raised questions about his fitness and fielding availability.

Ashwin said the situation did not resemble a cramp-related issue and instead looked like a genuine injury that should have been treated more cautiously.

He also pointed out that once physios had assessed the player and visible limping was evident, the safer option would have been to retire the batter or withdraw him from the field rather than risk further damage.

Concerns raised over player safety

Ashwin emphasised that player welfare must remain the top priority, especially in a physically demanding tournament like the IPL.

He highlighted that continuing to run between wickets while visibly injured could aggravate the condition and potentially lead to a longer recovery period.

The former spinner also revealed that even commentators observing the situation were surprised by the decision to let Mhatre continue batting.

According to Ashwin, the incident left several observers watching in disbelief as the situation unfolded on the field.

Pattern of injury issues highlighted

Ashwin also hinted at broader concerns regarding injury management within the franchise, referring to past cases involving players who struggled with recurring injuries.

He cited the example of pacer Deepak Chahar, who faced multiple injury setbacks during his time with Chennai Super Kings, suggesting that long-term injury management strategies must be reviewed carefully.

The remarks have sparked debate among fans and analysts about the importance of proactive fitness monitoring and responsible in-game decisions.

CSK yet to issue detailed response

As of now, there has been no detailed public response from Chennai Super Kings addressing the criticism or explaining the medical assessment behind allowing Mhatre to continue.

The situation remains under scrutiny, especially given Mhatre's importance to the team this season and concerns that the injury could sideline him for upcoming matches.

With the IPL schedule demanding quick turnarounds between games, injury management decisions often become crucial in determining squad availability and long-term player health.

Spotlight on medical protocols in franchise cricket

The incident has reignited conversations around medical protocols and player protection in franchise cricket.

Modern T20 leagues require teams to balance competitive demands with athlete welfare, and situations like Mhatre's underline the importance of timely medical decisions.

If the injury proves to be serious, the handling of this episode may continue to be debated as an example of the risks associated with pushing players beyond safe physical limits.