CSK lose key batter Mhatre to hamstring tear during chase against SRH, ending his innings after scoring 30 off 12 balls.
Ayush Mhatre entered as a substitute for Gurjapneet Singh following Sanju Samson’s dismissal during CSK’s innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday night. He advanced quickly, reaching 30 runs off just 12 deliveries before halting mid-pitch while completing a two-run call and grabbing his hamstring. He immediately removed his helmet, visibly in distress, and required treatment from physiotherapist Taifun Simsek.
After an extended on-field medical session, Mhatre attempted to resume batting but moved very slowly between the wickets alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad off Nitish Kumar Reddy’s next delivery. He then swung wildly at the following ball, directing it to extra cover where Heinrich Klaasen completed a sharp catch to dismiss him.
Mike Hussey, CSK’s batting coach, addressed the media after the match and confirmed an initial diagnosis of a hamstring tear. He stated, "Obviously a hamstring tear. I don't know how bad it is. I'm sure we'll scan him probably tomorrow or the next day." He added, "It looks pretty bad, unfortunately. And he's going to be a big, big loss because he's been in really nice touch for us."
Mhatre leads CSK’s run-scoring charts this season with 201 runs from just 114 deliveries at a strike rate of 177.87, including his rapid 30 on Saturday. Urvil Patel, who amassed 68 runs at a strike rate of 212.50 across three innings for CSK last year, remains on standby and could step in if the team opts for a specialist batter.
Hussey acknowledged the challenge but also the chance it presents for others. He said, "He's an exciting young talent, but it's going to give someone else an opportunity. So that's exciting as well." He continued, "We've got some really good players that haven't been able to get an opportunity. And so it's going to be exciting for one of those guys." He concluded, "So, as much as we're really disappointed to lose Ayush - I don't know how long for - it's exciting for a new player to come in and get a chance."
The exact duration of Mhatre’s absence remains unclear until scan results are reviewed, though a hamstring tear can require up to six months for full recovery depending on severity. Hussey admitted uncertainty, stating, "I mean, it's hard to say. He didn't last too many balls after the injury, Ayush. But yeah, it's obviously going to affect his batting because he was hitting the ball so well and scoring boundaries almost at will. So it's definitely going to have an effect for sure."
CSK fell ten runs short of the target and slipped to seventh place in the points table with just two wins from six games played this season.