Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opening batsman Ayush Mhatre was initially ruled out of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season due to a torn left hamstring. However, recent medical reports have confirmed that the young top-order batsman also suffered a wrist injury along with his leg problem.
Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Chennai Super Kings will take on Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, May 5. The five-time champions are currently in sixth place in the 10-team points table, with four wins in nine games, and need at least four more wins to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Ayush Mhatre likely to be out of action for two months
According to a report by The Times of India, Ayush Mhatre has suffered two injuries. The report stated that the additional wrist problem will keep the teenager out of action for at least a couple of months.
“Ayush not only has a left hamstring injury but has also been diagnosed with a wrist injury. He is now likely to be out of action for a couple of months,” a source told TOI.
This injury setback rules him out of the upcoming Mumbai T20 League in June, where Triumph Knights had retained him along with Suryakumar Yadav. Before the injury, Mhatre had scored 201 runs in six innings at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 177.87.
Unfortunately, it looks pretty bad – Mike Hussey
Ayush Mhatre suffered a left hamstring injury during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 18. He continued to bat despite struggling to run between the wickets during that chase before coming out for 30 runs.
Chennai Super Kings batting coach Mike Hussey expressed his disappointment over the injury. He said losing an in-form batsman with such good touch creates a big gap in the team.
“Things are looking pretty bad, unfortunately. It’s going to be a very, very big loss because he has been very good for us,” CSK batting coach Mike Hussey had said about Mhatre’s hamstring injury.
Chennai Super Kings recently ended their three-match losing streak with an eight-wicket win over Mumbai Indians (MI). Their next opponents, Delhi Capitals, beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) by seven wickets.
Official statement from Chennai Super Kings on Ayush Mhatre’s injury
Earlier, the Chennai Super Kings management issued an official statement regarding the injured Ayush Mhatre. The franchise confirmed that he will need a long period of rehabilitation and wished him a speedy and complete recovery.
“Ayush’s injury will require a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks,” the five-time IPL champions said in an official statement.
Chennai Super Kings have roped in fast bowler Akash Madhwal as Ayush Mhatre’s replacement. After the top-order setback, the team tested Urvil Patel and Sarfaraz Khan at the number three position in recent matches.
Several Chennai Super Kings players are also sidelined due to injuries this season. Nathan Ellis was replaced by Spencer Johnson, while Khaleel Ahmed and Ramakrishna Ghosh suffered setbacks. Former captain MS Dhoni is yet to play a match due to knee and calf problems.
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