Mumbai lose vice‑captain Ayush Mhatre to hamstring tear for two months

Ayush Mhatre, Mumbai's vice‑captain and opening batsman, will miss about two months after sustaining a Grade 4 hamstring tear. The injury was confirmed during Mumbai's first Ranji Trophy match against Chandigarh at Wankhede Stadium, a game the hosts won by an innings and 156 runs. Mhatre had just returned from a three‑month stint at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he was rehabbing an earlier problem. Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad said, “He suffered pain while running a couple. The exact report is yet to come and how long he will be unavailable will be known later. But it is sad. He was training with us and was keen to make a good comeback this season. He is used to travelling from Virar just to train with us. He used to train with me only. He was pushing himself and was eager to do well.” Mhatre previously missed the IPL and other competitive cricket for more than three months after a similar hamstring issue. He had taken part in match simulations and a few practice games before being named vice‑captain for the season. Mumbai also lost opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who left for New Zealand with the India A squad. The win was driven by spin duo Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian, each claiming three wickets as Chandigarh were bowled out for 196 on day three. Chandigarh’s top order collapsed quickly after a brief start of 0/1; Arjun Azad made 62 and Shiv Bhambri added 44. Lad praised the bowlers, saying their performance is key to any tournament success. Mumbai will reintegrate Suryansh Shedge, who recently featured for India A against Australia A.

Context

Hamstring tears of Grade 4 are severe and typically require several weeks of rest and physiotherapy, explaining the two‑month absence. Such injuries can disrupt a player's rhythm, especially after returning from a long rehab period.