R Ashwin has made an interesting suggestion for Chennai Super Kings to deal with their injury crisis after losing Ayush Mhatre for the rest of the series. The former India spinner has suggested that the five-time IPL champions should bring in RCB U-19 star Vihaan Malhotra on loan for the rest of the season while also helping in his development.
ČSK faced a big setback on Tuesday, April 21 Mhatre was ruled out of the rest of the campaign due to a hamstring injury in the loss to SRH. As a result, Chennai will be looking for a replacement player. However, Ashwin suggested using the loan scheme to bring in Vihaan from RCB or India U-19 wicketkeeper-batsman Abhigyan Kundu.
“With so many injuries on the horizon! The loan window closes after Game 7 and it will be a great idea to borrow this sensational talent from RCB. He hasn’t played a single match so far, so he is a viable option. If not Vihaan, Abhigyan Kundu is also a left-handed option that can be adjusted, considering Ashwin: Xwin CORE,” said Ashwin: FUTURE CORE
However, a fan on social media questioned the logic of such a move between RCB and CSK given the rivalry between the two teams and their quest to make it to the playoffs.
Ashwin pointed out that RCB are comfortably set to reach the last four, while CSK are not competing with them at the moment. The former spinner believes this is a good opportunity for Bengaluru to make some money and give Vihaan a chance to grow.
“One team is comfortably placed and the other is not competing with them at the moment, so there is an opportunity to make some money and the player also gets a chance to play and after a few games he will be back with the original franchise,” Ashwin said. (Credit: Ashwin X)
DOES IPL HAVE A LOAN SCHEME?
The loan system is something that exists in football leagues around the world. Such a system was introduced in the 2018 IPL and allowed teams to borrow uncapped players from other teams.
In 2018, the IPL introduced a five-day mid-season period during which franchises could only loan players without restriction. A year later, the rule was expanded to allow limited players to be loaned.
Only players who have appeared in a maximum of two matches – either as part of the playing XI or as a concussion substitute – are eligible for loan. A player can only be loaned once per season. Additionally, the IPL playing conditions state that a player on loan “may not” play against the franchise that loaned him.
However, no IPL team has yet used the loan system and most have opted for injury replacement. Vihaan was acquired by RCB at its base price of Rs. 30 Lakhs during the IPL 2026 auction.
Vihaan scored 240 runs in seven matches and picked five wickets as India won the title.
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Published on:
21 Apr 2026 18:02 IST
