Chennai Super Kings suffered a big blow after Ayush Mhatre suffered a hamstring injury while playing against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, the 18th of April. Mhatre endured an impressive run in the ongoing IPL season so far, scoring 201 runs in 6 games with a strike rate of 177.87.

The right-hander was sent in as an impact sub against SRH for Gurjapneet Singh after Sanju Samson got out and looked in decent form, scoring 30 in 13 balls. While completing 2 runs, he looked uncomfortable, after which physiotherapist Tommy Simsek assessed him.

After receiving treatment, Mhatre started batting again but was dismissed immediately. Batting coach Mike Hussey stated during the post-match press conference that the injury to Ayush Mhatre was a big loss for the team, as the right-hander looked in fine form so far in the season.

Mhatre scored 73 in 43 balls against PBKS and 59 in 36 balls against DC, and has been a bright performer for CSK, who have endured a disappointing season so far. The team has racked up just 4 points in 6 IPL games this season, with just 2 wins and 4 losses.

Wicket-keeper batter, Urvil Patel, could be used as Mhatre’s replacement, as the right-hander scored 68 runs in 3 games last season with a strike rate of 212.50. The right-hander could be used as a replacement if the team management is eager to include a specialised batter in the playing XI.

Hussey added that Mhatre is an exciting talent, but this will give a chance to other talented players to break into the side. Hussey further added that the youngster was batting really well, and after making a return, it might affect his batting and also affect the team. A hamstring tear might take 6 months to recover, but it depends on the seriousness of the injury.