Mumbai, Oct 14:
Young Mumbai batter Ayush Mhatre has suffered a Grade 4 tear in his right hamstring and is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks, dealing a setback to the team at the start of the Ranji Trophy season. However, injuries of this severity can require at least three months to heal, depending on the extent of the damage and the rehabilitation process.
Mhatre suffered the injury on Sunday, the opening day of Mumbai’s Group D match against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium. He scored 48 off 82 balls, including seven fours and a six, while opening alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Mumbai went on to win the match by an innings and 155 runs.
Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad said Mhatre appeared to have hurt his hamstring while attempting a second run between the wickets. He added that the youngster was unlikely to be available for the team’s next two matches. Mhatre had been appointed Mumbai’s vice-captain for the season.
The 19-year-old had earlier suffered a left hamstring injury during an IPL match between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. He spent three months undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He also led India Under-19 to a record-extending sixth World Cup title earlier this year.
Mumbai will travel to Dharamsala for their next Ranji Trophy match against Himachal Pradesh from October 18 to 21. With Jaiswal set to join India A for its New Zealand tour, Mumbai will have to field a new opening pair.