Mumbai Blow as Ayush Mhatre Sidelined with Severe Hamstring Injury

Mumbai, October 13: Mumbai’s promising young batter Ayush Mhatre has suffered a Grade 4 tear in his right hamstring, delivering a significant blow to the squad at the onset of the Ranji Trophy season. The 19-year-old is projected to be out of action for four to six weeks, though the severity of the injury could extend his recovery period to three months depending on his rehabilitation progress.

Mhatre sustained the injury during the opening day of Mumbai’s Group D clash against Chandigarh at Wankhede Stadium. While Mumbai secured a dominant innings-and-155-run victory on Tuesday, the loss of their opener has created immediate concerns regarding the team’s lineup for future fixtures.

Opening the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mhatre contributed 48 runs from 82 balls, featuring seven boundaries and one six. Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad noted that the youngster felt the injury while attempting a second run between the wickets.

“It appears he will be away from the team for a while. Judging by how he was limping during the match, it is unlikely he will be available for the second or third games,” Lad told reporters following the win.

Lad further mentioned that Mhatre had appeared to be in peak condition during recent club games and practice matches prior to this setback.

This injury is particularly frustrating for Mhatre, who had only recently returned to the game after recovering from a left hamstring injury sustained on April 18 during an IPL match between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. That previous injury required a three-month stint at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for specialized treatment and rehab.

A former captain of India’s Under-19 side—which he led to a record sixth World Cup title—Mhatre also serves as Mumbai’s vice-captain for the current Ranji Trophy campaign. His absence leaves a void in the upper order.

Mumbai is set to travel to Dharamsala for their second fixture against Himachal Pradesh from October 18 to 21. The team must now reorganize its opening partnership, especially with Yashasvi Jaiswal expected to depart for India A’s tour of New Zealand.

Mhatre will now focus entirely on his rehabilitation to ensure a full recovery before returning to professional cricket.

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