Mhatre sidelined with hamstring tear as Chennai’s struggles intensify

Chennai Super Kings’ uneven IPL season took another hit with teenage sensation Ayush Mhatre suffering a hamstring tear that could rule him out for an extended period. The eighteen‑year‑old, Chennai’s most productive batter this campaign, struck a brisk thirty from twelve balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad before pulling up in visible pain and requiring prolonged treatment.

Batting coach Mike Hussey confirmed the injury and said scans in the coming days would determine the severity, admitting the early signs “look pretty bad.” Mhatre has been a rare bright spot for the five‑time champions, scoring two hundred and one runs in six innings at a strike rate above one hundred and seventy‑seven. Hussey acknowledged the loss is significant but noted it opens the door for other squad members who have yet to feature. With Chennai slipping to seventh in the table, the setback adds pressure ahead of Thursday’s clash with Mumbai Indians.