Ayush Mhatre ruled out for four to six weeks after grade 4 right hamstring tear in Ranji opener
Ayush Mhatre suffered a grade 4 tear in his right hamstring during Mumbai's Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday and is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks.
Mhatre had missed the second half of IPL 2026 after injuring his left hamstring while batting for Chennai Super Kings against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18 and spent three months at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru undergoing rehabilitation. He returned to competitive cricket ahead of the Ranji Trophy season, was named Mumbai's vice-captain and scored 48 in the hosts' first innings.
According to reports, Mhatre underwent scans on Monday and was initially rested as a precaution, with Suved Parkar fielding in his place. The latest problem is in his right hamstring, making it a fresh setback following his lengthy rehabilitation.
Medical staff have given an initial estimate of four to six weeks out, while noting the recovery period will depend on the severity of the tear and his progress during rehabilitation. The new injury could keep him out of Mumbai's upcoming fixtures.
Mhatre's absence removes one of Mumbai's designated leaders from selection for the coming weeks. The team will therefore need to adjust its leadership and squad management during the early stages of the Ranji Trophy campaign.
Mumbai began their Ranji Trophy season with a comprehensive victory over Chandigarh, winning by an innings and 155 runs at the Wankhede Stadium and collecting a bonus point after finishing the match inside three days. Mumbai posted 429 in their first innings, bowled Chandigarh out for 78 in the first innings and enforced the follow-on with a lead of 351; Chandigarh managed 196 in its second innings.
Shams Mulani took 3/69 and Tanush Kotian claimed 3/30 in Chandigarh's second innings. With the bat, Musheer Khan scored 65, captain Siddhesh Lad made 86, Kotian contributed 58, and Mohit Awasthi remained unbeaten on 56.
Mhatre's recovery timeline will be closely watched as Mumbai manage their squad through the early stages of the Ranji Trophy and determine his availability for forthcoming fixtures.
