The Chennai Super Kings batter Ayush Mhatre is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring tear, with Michael Hussey confirming the injury following Chennai Super Kings’ 10-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Uppal. The current CSK batting coach admitted the injury “looks bad” and described the No. 3 batter as a significant loss for the side. 

Mhatre, who made a brisk 20 off 13 balls during CSK’s unsuccessful chase in Hyderabad, appeared in good rhythm early on and gave the team much-needed momentum. However, while attempting a tight second run alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, he pulled up clutching his left hamstring and needed immediate medical attention.

Although he continued briefly, Mhatre was visibly struggling to run between the wickets and was dismissed soon after, courtesy of a sharp catch by Heinrich Klaasen off Nitish Kumar Reddy. On his way back, he had to be assisted off the field by Ramakrishna Ghosh and team physio Taifun Simsek.

“Obviously it is a hamstring tear. I don’t know how bad it is. They will scan him tomorrow, or the next day I’m not sure. But yeah, looks pretty bad unfortunately. He’s going to be a big loss, because he’s been in really nice touch for us. He’s an exciting young talent but it’s going to give someone else an opportunity. That’s exciting as well: we have some really good players who haven’t been able to get that opportunity. It’s going to be exciting for one of those guys,” Hussey was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

“As much as we’re really disappointed to lose Ayush, I don’t know how long for, but it’s exciting for a new player to come in and get a chance,” he added.

CSK now have a four-day break before facing arch-rivals Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on April 23. Urvil Patel, who smashed a 28-ball century in T20 cricket and previously batted at No. 3 for CSK, is a strong in-squad option to replace Mhatre.