Chennai Super Kings (CSK) just can’t catch a break this season. Just when they won two back-to-back games, star youngster Ayush Mhatre has gone down with what looks like a proper hamstring tear. While the reports haven’t come out yet, it doesn’t look like a short layoff for the Under-19 World Cup captain. He might not be ruled out of the tournament yet, but the early signs are not great and CSK should be preparing to be without him for a while.
The injury happened in the SRH vs CSK game, and it was quite clear something was wrong straight away. During the fifth over, Mhatre was going for a second run, slowed down midway, and then just stopped. He still tried to carry on after the physio came out, but it didn’t last long. A couple of balls later, he got out, with Heinrich Klaasen taking an outstading catch. Unfortunately for Mhatre, this time he couldn’t even walk back properly. He needed help to get off.
Big blow for CSK, because Mhatre was doing heavy lifting
Losing Mhatre should’ve been the last thing that CSK wanted. After all, he was the enforcer with Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form being awful. Mhatre has been CSK’s best batter so far, having scored 201 runs, scoring at a strike rate close to 178. And more than the numbers, it was the way he was batting. He has been positive and fearless, especially in the powerplay where CSK have struggled for years now.
Even in this game, he came in early and smashed 30 off 12. That’s exactly the kind of start CSK needed in their run-chase of close to 200 runs. Fans and pundits were questioning CSK for not putting Mhatre as an opener.
Mhatre injury update
Mike Hussey didn’t put a timeline on it, but his reaction said enough. “Obviously a hamstring tear. I don’t know how bad it is. I’m sure we’ll scan him probably tomorrow or the next day. It looks pretty bad, unfortunately. And he’s going to be a big, big loss because he’s been in really nice touch for us.” “So, as much as we’re really disappointed to lose Ayush – I don’t know how long for – it’s exciting for a new player to come in and get a chance.”
Now, the scans will confirm the grade. But even a moderate tear can take weeks. A serious one can stretch much longer. So realistically, CSK should be looking at multiple games without him, not just one or two.
Who replaces Mhatre in CSK team?
There are options, but none exactly like Mhatre’s oomph.
Urvil Patel is one name. He had a good run last season, strikes hard, and could slot in as a straight batting replacement. But he’s not someone who has been in this season’s rhythm, having warmed the bench in every game so far. CSK could also shuffle things around, maybe push someone up and play an extra all-rounder. Meanwhile, Kartik Sharma, whom CSK signed for INR 14.20 crore, is another batting option.
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