Ayush Mhatre Suffers Grade 4 Hamstring Tear, Set To Go For a Lengthy Spell on Sidelines

Mumbai, October 13: Mumbai's young batting talent Ayush Mhatre has suffered a Grade 4 tear in his right hamstring, dealing a major setback to the team at the start of the Ranji Trophy season. The 19-year-old is expected to miss four to six weeks of action, although injuries of this severity can sometimes require at least three months for complete recovery, depending on the rehabilitation process.

Mhatre sustained the injury while batting against Chandigarh on the opening day of Mumbai's Group D encounter at the Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai went on to register a commanding innings-and-155-run victory on Tuesday, but the opener's injury has raised concerns over his availability for the upcoming matches.

Opening alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mhatre scored 48 runs off 82 deliveries, including seven boundaries and a six. According to Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad, the youngster experienced discomfort while attempting a second run between the wickets.

"It seems that he will not be with the team for some time now. The way he was limping in the match, it does not look like he would be available for the second or the third match," Lad told reporters after Mumbai's victory.

Lad added that Mhatre had been looking fit during recent practice matches and club games before suffering the setback.

The latest injury is particularly concerning for Mhatre, who had recently returned to competitive cricket after recovering from a left hamstring injury sustained during the Indian Premier League match between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. Following that setback, he spent around three months at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.

Mhatre had earlier captained India's Under-19 team to its record-extending sixth World Cup title and was appointed Mumbai's vice-captain for the ongoing Ranji Trophy campaign. His absence will leave a significant gap in the team's batting plans.

Mumbai will travel to Dharamsala for their second Ranji Trophy fixture against Himachal Pradesh, scheduled from October 18 to 21. The team will also have to find a new opening combination, with Jaiswal expected to join India A for its upcoming tour of New Zealand.

With another rehabilitation period potentially ahead, Mhatre's immediate priority will be recovery and regaining full fitness before returning to competitive cricket.