Mhatre had emerged as the most reliable batsman for Chennai this season. He also made a great start in the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He came on the field as an impact sub and was looking in great form by scoring 30 runs in just 12 balls. But while taking a run, he suddenly felt a strain in his hamstring and was seen groaning in pain. He expressed pain by taking off the helmet and had to seek help from a physio.

Ayush got injured

After treatment, he returned to bat again but it was clear that he was not completely fit. Despite this, he continued the game and got caught out on the very next ball while trying to play a big shot. After the match, CSK batting coach Mike Hussey said that it is a hamstring tear and its seriousness will be known only after the scan. He admitted that it was a big loss for the team as Mhatre was in great form. This season he has scored 201 runs and his strike rate has been 177.87.

Mhatre may stay out for a long time

Now the team will have to find new options in place of Mhatre. Urvil Patel, who was present on the bench, may get a chance, who performed well last season. Hussey said that this is an opportunity for other players, although the team will definitely miss Mhatre.

Meanwhile, former CSK player R Ashwin raised questions on the team management. He said that the way Mhatre was allowed to play even after being injured is beyond comprehension. Ashwin said that the players were limping, hence they should have been retired out. He termed it shocking.

At the moment it is not clear how long Mhatre will be out for, but in case of a hamstring tear, recovery could take 3 to 6 months. This is a big blow for Chennai, because the team is already struggling. CSK lost by 10 runs in the match against Hyderabad and the team is currently at seventh position in the points table, where it has won only 2 in 6 matches.