Ayush Mhatre injury update: CSK opener to miss two months after hamst…

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opening batter Ayush Mhatre was initially ruled out of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season due to a left hamstring tear. However, recent medical reports have confirmed that the young top-order batter also suffered a wrist injury along with his leg problem.

The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings will next face the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, May 5. The five-time champions are currently in sixth place on the 10-team points table, with four wins from nine matches, and need at least four more victories to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Ayush Mhatre Likely To Be Out Of Action For Two Months

According to a report from The Times of India, Ayush Mhatre has suffered two injuries. The report stated that the added wrist issue will keep the teenager out of action for at least a couple of months. sports24.club

“Ayush not only has a left hamstring injury, but has also been diagnosed with a wrist injury. He is now likely to be out of action for a couple of months,” a source told TOI.

This injury setback rules him out of the upcoming T20 Mumbai League in June, where Triumph Knights had retained him alongside Suryakumar Yadav. Before the injury, Mhatre had scored 201 runs in six innings at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 177.87.

Also Read: SG vs MA Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update- Afghanistan T20 Cup 2026, Match 8

It Looks Pretty Bad, Unfortunately - Mike Hussey

Ayush Mhatre suffered a left hamstring injury during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 18. He continued batting despite struggling to run between the wickets during that chase before getting out for 30 runs.

Chennai Super Kings batting coach Mike Hussey expressed disappointment over the injury. He said that losing an in-form batter in such good touch creates a big gap in the team.

“It looks pretty bad, unfortunately. He's going to be a big, big loss because he's been in really nice touch for us,” CSK batting coach Mike Hussey had said about Mhatre's hamstring injury.

Chennai Super Kings recently ended their three-match losing streak with an eight-wicket win over Mumbai Indians (MI). Their next opponents, Delhi Capitals, beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) by seven wickets.

Chennai Super Kings' Official Statement On Ayush Mhatre's Injury

Earlier, the Chennai Super Kings management released an official statement on injured Ayush Mhatre. The franchise confirmed that he will need a lengthy rehabilitation period and wished him a full and speedy recovery.

“Ayush's injury will require a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks,” the five-time IPL champions had said in an official statement.

Chennai Super Kings have signed fast bowler Akash Madhwal as the replacement for Ayush Mhatre. After the top-order setback, the team tested Urvil Patel and Sarfaraz Khan at the number three position in recent matches.

Several Chennai Super Kings players are also sidelined with injuries this season. Nathan Ellis was replaced by Spencer Johnson, while Khaleel Ahmed and Ramakrishna Ghosh suffered setbacks. Former captain MS Dhoni is yet to play a game due to knee and calf issues.

Also read: Mohsin Khan opens up on injury scare, thanks Mohammed Shami for crucial support during tough times

Delhi Capitals (DC) have been anything but predictable this season. One night they are posting 264, the next, they are getting bowled out for 75. DC’s heavy defeats have been followed by superb chases, including the recent 226-run pursuit against the Rajasthan Royals. They have been dangerous but inconsistent.

Now, with four teams already sitting on 12 points, Delhi cannot afford another dip. They are tied with CSK on eight points from nine games, and this clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium could tell us which of the two teams will be in the qualification picture for longer. Conditions in Delhi should again favour batters, with pitch no. 4 expected to produce another high-scoring contest.

Lungi Ngidi returns, and DC badly need that boost

Delhi’s biggest positive is the return of Lungi Ngidi. He is now available after completing the mandatory concussion stand-down period, and his presence alongside Mitchell Starc could finally give DC some bite with the ball.

Ngidi’s recent record has been great. He became South Africa’s leading T20I wicket-taker earlier this year and was among their standout bowlers at the T20 World Cup, picking up 12 wickets at an average of 13.75 while maintaining one of the best economy rates among frontline seamers.

That control is exactly what DC have lacked, especially in the powerplay. They have taken just nine wickets in that phase all season, the second-worst tally in the league, and average 36 balls per wicket. Starc alone cannot fix that. Ngidi gives them a genuine second strike option and someone who can hold his own at the death as well.

Predicted DC Playing XI vs CSK

S. No.	Player	Role
1	KL Rahul (wk)	Wicketkeeper-batter
2	Pathum Nissanka	Opener
3	Nitish Rana	Top-order batter
4	Sameer Rizvi	Middle-order batter
5	Tristan Stubbs	Middle-order batter
6	Axar Patel (c)	All-rounder
7	Ashutosh Sharma	Finisher
8	Vipraj Nigam	All-rounder
9	Lungi Ngidi	Fast bowler
10	Mitchell Starc	Fast bowler
11	Kuldeep Yadav	Spinner
12	T Natarajan	Fast bowler

KL Rahul will continue alongside Pathum Nissanka, who has come back into the side due to injury issues. However, Pathum batted superbly for his 33-ball 62 in the last game. Nitish Rana has been one of DC’s biggest positives. After being dropped earlier, he has responded strongly with 182 runs in his last four games at a strike rate of 182, including two fifties.

Sameer Rizvi remains a bit of an unknown this season. He started brightly but has dipped, and DC will need him to regain that early-season touch. Tristan Stubbs continues to be a key middle-order presence, capable of taking on both pace and spin.

Axar Patel, as captain, has a dual role. With the ball, he could again look to attack CSK’s top order early, given his strong record against Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson in T20s. However, Axar is yet to turn up with the bat this season. Meanwhile, Ashutosh should finally start in the first XI as DC desperately need a finisher. His last impactful innings (25* off 15) vs RR will certainly give DC management enough confidence. Vipraj Nigam is likely to pip Auqib Nabi or any other pace-bowling options as he offers balance as an all-round option.

The bowling attack now looks far more complete. Starc remains the leader of the pace unit, while Ngidi’s return gives them a much-needed partner. Kuldeep Yadav will be key in the middle overs, especially on a surface that should still offer some grip. T Natarajan rounds off the attack with his death bowling skills.

The post Predicted Delhi Capitals Playing XI vs CSK: Lungi Ngidi joins Mitchell Starc appeared first on Inside Sport India.

New Delhi [India], May 5 (ANI): Wrestling superstar Xavier Woods has announced his departure from WWE in an emotional farewell shared on X, reflecting on his 16-year journey with the company and expressing gratitude for the unforgettable moments he experienced.

Woods, who will now walk away under his real name, Austin Creed, reminisced about the milestones and bonds he built throughout his illustrious career.

“For the past 16 years, WWE has been my home. It’s where I grew up, found myself, failed, learned, and got to live out things the younger version of me could only dream about," Woods wrote in his farewell message.

Woods recalled his humble beginnings, sharing how he initially entered WWE’s developmental territory, FCW, with a desire to prove his worth.

“When I first walked into FCW, I just wanted a chance to prove I belonged and to bring something different to professional wrestling. That chance became a life full of moments I’ll carry with me forever — WrestleMania, championships, King of the Ring, arenas around the world, and the gift of connecting with all of you by being myself," he added.

One of the most cherished aspects of his WWE journey, according to Woods, was his bond with fellow New Day members Kofi Kingston and Big E.

“The New Day gave me a bond with @TrueKofi and @WWEBigE that I’ll cherish for life. You believed in us, even when our ideas were wild, and because of that, we got to show people that being unapologetically yourself is a strength."

Woods also expressed deep pride in his role in the creation of UpUpDownDown, the popular gaming channel that became a hub for joy, friendship, and authenticity.

“UpUpDownDown became another piece of that same mission: a place for joy, friendship, and humanity. I’m so thankful to everyone, past and present, who helped build it brick by brick," Woods shared.

Acknowledging the hard work and dedication of those behind the scenes at WWE, Woods thanked the locker room, producers, trainers, crew, and everyone who contributed to his journey.

“To the locker room, producers, trainers, crew, camera teams, ring crew, everyone behind the scenes, and the props department – thank you. WWE has the most special and hardest working props department that you’ll ever find. Love you guys and none of this happens without you."

Concluding his message, Woods reflected on the support he received throughout his career and his transition to Austin Creed.

“And to everyone who has been part of this ride: thank you for believing in me. Thank you for letting me be Xavier Woods. Thank you for giving me the confidence… to walk away as Austin Creed." (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Former Indian players Manoj Tiwary and Rohan Gavaskar have urged Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to look beyond Rishabh Pant as captain after the team slumped to a sixth straight loss.

Rishabh Pant-led LSG lost to the Mumbai Indians by 6 wickets at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. With just 2 wins in 9 matches, LSG have been practically eliminated from the tournament. Pant's poor form with the bat is also a huge concern.

LSG lose six in a row

On Monday, May 4, LSG extended their losing streak in IPL 2026 to 6 matches in a row after they lost to a similarly struggling Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.

After MI skipper Suryakumar Yadav chose to field first, Mitchell Marsh decided to make the bowlers pay with a knock of 45 runs. Although Josh Inglis couldn't make an impact on his comeback, Nicholas Pooran gained a promotion to No. 3 and displayed his usual hitting prowess.

Pooran has been woefully out of form in this year's IPL but showed signs of getting back to his best by making 63 runs in just 21 balls. Despite this strong start, the middle order of Aiden Markram and Himmat Singh could not fully capitalise on the start, but LSG still managed 228.

Rohit Sharma returned from a long injury layoff and was immediately at his best. He and Ryan Rickelton made 84 and 83, respectively, to turn the chase into a comfortable walk in the park for Mumbai. Naman Dhir tied down the loose ends that were remaining after Rohit and Rickelton's dismissals to hand MI only their third win of the season.

Also Read: LSG qualification scenario IPL 2026: Can LSG still reach playoffs after loss against MI?

"Rishabh Pant should be released from captaincy pressure" - Tiwary and Gavaskar

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Manoj Tiwary and Rohan Gavaskar echoed similar thoughts about relieving Rishabh Pant from the captain's armband.

“Sanjiv Goenka had once said in an interview that he wants Pant to create a legacy, play for LSG for the next 10–15 years and win trophies. But sometimes you’ve got to put certain players out of the firing line. After this season, LSG must decide whether they want to keep him as captain. He should be allowed to focus only on his batting, because we all know his capabilities and talent.

“When the team performs badly, that pressure also falls on the skipper. So release him from that and allow him to play freely,” Gavaskar said.

Manoj Tiwary also said that he felt similarly. He said that the team's poor performance had started affecting Rishabh Pant's batting as well.

“I feel that, under the pressure of captaincy, we are losing Pant the batter — someone who has performed in international cricket and the IPL previously. He is not getting those runs this season. So release him from the captaincy burden and let him play purely as a batter. That would be best for LSG,” he added.

Rishabh Pant's poor form in IPL 2026

This year, Rishabh Pant has made just 204 runs in 9 matches. His runs have come at an average of 25.50 at a strike rate of 128.30.

He has made only one fifty in the tournament, with a high score of 68*. Pant had originally joined LSG in 2025, but had not made an impact with the bat last year either.

LSG's next match

LSG will take on RCB on May 7 in their next match. LSG have already lost to the defending champions once this season.

With LSG nearly eliminated, they only have an opportunity to play party-poopers as the defending champions will look to strengthen their playoffs push.