Ayush Mhatre returns to competitive cricket after five-month hamstring layoff

Mumbai opener back in action after IPL-2026 injury nightmare

In a major boost to Mumbai ahead of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season, opener Ayush Mhatre will play his first competitive match in almost five months when he turns out in a practice match amongst Mumbai's Ranji Trophy probables at the Cricket Club of India on Tuesday.

Mhatre, 19, has been out of action since suffering a bad hamstring injury while playing for the Chennai Super Kings during IPL-2026. His father, Yogesh Mhatre, confirmed the youngster's return to full fitness.

"Ayush is now completely fit and has recovered from his injuries in both the hamstrings. He has been training at the Mumbai Cricket Association's indoor facility at BKC for the past 10 days, and is training at Sainath Cricket Club today. He will play in a two-day practice match, organised by the Mumbai Cricket Association for Mumbai's Ranji Trophy probables, at the Brabourne Stadium from Tuesday," Yogesh Mhatre told TOI on Monday.

Kanga League next on the agenda

The opener's comeback schedule extends beyond the practice match. "He will then turn out for Sainath CC in a Kanga League 'B' Division match on Friday (Oct 2)," his father added.

How the injury unfolded

Mhatre had been ruled out of IPL-2026 due to a left hamstring injury. The teenager suffered the setback while batting during CSK's game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. The franchise had announced the recovery timeline at the time.

"Ayush's injury will require a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks. We wish Ayush a speedy recovery," CSK had posted on social media.

The batting coach was forthright about the blow the injury dealt the side. "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," Mike Hussey, the CSK batting coach, said about Mhatre's hamstring injury.

Before the injury forced him to the sidelines, Mhatre had made a strong impression, scoring 201 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 177.87 in IPL-2026.