Mumbai opener Ayush Mhatre sidelined for at least six weeks with suspected hamstring tear

Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out for at least six weeks after sustaining a suspected Grade 4 tear in his right hamstring while batting on the opening day of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy season-opener against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai Cricket Association president Ajinkya Naik confirmed the diagnosis on Tuesday and said the recovery timeline would depend on further consultations between the Mumbai medical staff and the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The 19-year-old, who is Mumbai’s vice-captain, did not take the field during either of Chandigarh’s innings as Mumbai registered an innings-and-155-run victory. He sustained the injury while batting on the opening day. Naik’s remarks set out that final clearance and a detailed recovery plan will follow medical review in Bengaluru.

“It happened while running between the wickets. He looks very sad. He worked really hard in the off-season. He was doing rehab with me only at BKC and would come all the way from Virar, do his rehab and go back. It happens, it is part of the game, and we will try to motivate him,” Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad said.

“We had two or three simulation games and club games, and also played at the BKC (Ground). He was looking fine for the last three or four matches, but he felt something in his hamstring while taking a second run,” Lad added.

The setback follows an earlier left hamstring injury Mhatre suffered while representing Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League on April 18, which had ruled him out for three months. It is understood that he had also been troubled by the right hamstring during his rehabilitation at the CoE.

Further medical assessment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru will determine the exact length of Mhatre’s absence and the rehabilitation programme to be followed.