MUMBAI: In a major boost to Mumbai ahead of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season, opener Ayush Mhatre, out of action since he suffered a bad hamstring injury while playing for the Chennai Super Kings during IPL-2026, will play his first competitive match in almost five months when he will turn out in a practice match amongst Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy probables at the Cricket Club of India on Tuesday.“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,” Ayush’s father Yogesh Mhatre told TOI on Monday.“He will then turn out for Sainath CC in a Kanga League ‘B’ Division match on Friday (Oct 2),” he added.Mhatre had been ruled out of IPL-2026 due to a left hamstring injury. The 19-year-old suffered the injury while batting during CSK’s game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18.“Ayush’s injury will require a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks. We wish Ayush a speedy recovery,” CSK had posted on social media.“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 had said about Mhatre’s hamstring injury.Mhatre scored 201 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 177.87 in IPL-2026, before the injury forced him to sit on the sidelines.
