Ravichandran Ashwin has proposed a solution for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after Ayush Mhatre was ruled out of the rest of IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury. Mhatre’s absence adds to CSK’s injury troubles this season, including that of MS Dhoni. The franchise confirmed that Mhatre, a standout performer with 201 runs in six matches, will be sidelined for six to 12 weeks.
Ashwin suggested CSK explore the loan window to acquire Vihaan Malhotra from Royal Challengers Bengaluru before the window closes after the seventh match. He also recommended India U-19 player Abhigyan Kundu as a long-term option. Ashwin explained that RCB could see it as a commercial opportunity to loan a player to CSK, given their differing positions on the points table.
The IPL loan rule allows for players who have played 0 to 2 matches to be loaned between matches 20 and 34. The loaned player stays with the borrowing team for the remainder of the season but cannot play against their parent team. This rule provides teams with the flexibility to address injury concerns and strengthen their squad during the tournament.
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