BCCI under scrutiny as Ayush Mhatre suffers another hamstring injury

Ayush Mhatre has suffered a grade 4 tear in his right hamstring and is expected to be out for four to six weeks, giving Mumbai another setback after their injury woes in IPL 2026.

The 19-year-old suffered the latest injury during Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium. According to Sportsstar , Mhatre underwent a medical on Monday and was initially rested as a precaution, replaced by substitute Suved Parkar. Mhatre scored 48 in Mumbai’s first innings.

According to PTI, the youngster had spent the previous three months at BCCI’s Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru undergoing rehabilitation after injuring his left hamstring while playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in April. That the injury ruled him out of the second half of IPL 2026.

Mhatre returned to competitive cricket before the Ranji Trophy season and was named Mumbai’s vice-captain. However, the latest hamstring problem has raised fresh concerns over his fitness and could keep him out of the upcoming matches in Mumbai.

Although the initial estimate is four to six weeks, recovery time will depend on the severity of the tear and its progress during rehabilitation.

REPEATED INJURIES

Mhatre injured his left hamstring while batting for CSK against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18, forcing him to miss the rest of the IPL season. He subsequently underwent rehabilitation at the CoE in Bengaluru for three months before returning to competitive cricket.

The latest injury concerns his right thigh muscle, which is a fresh setback after a long rehabilitation period. His recovery timeline will be closely watched as Mumbai look to steer their team in the early stages of the Ranji Trophy campaign.

Mhatre’s appointment as vice-captain meant an important responsibility for the young batsman. His absence now leaves Mumbai without one of their designated leaders for the next few weeks.

MUMBAI RULES CHANDIGARH

Mumbai started their Ranji Trophy campaign with a comprehensive victory as they beat Chandigarh by an innings and 155 runs in their elite Group D clash at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. The home side wrapped up the match within three days and collected the bonus point.

After bowling out Chandigarh for 78 in the first innings, Mumbai claimed the follow-on with a lead of 351 runs. Chandigarh managed 196 in their second innings with Shams Mulani taking 3/69 and Tanush Kotian taking 3/30.

Mumbai had earlier posted 429 in their first innings. Musheer Khan scored 65 while captain Siddhesh Lad 86. Kotian contributed 58 and Mohit Awasthi remained unbeaten on 56.

An emphatic win in Mumbai ensured a strong start to the domestic season, but Mhatre’s latest injury has left the team facing early selection concerns.

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