Ayush Mhatre to return from injury [Source: AFP]Ayush Mhatre's long wait to return to competitive action is about to end after his father shared detailed updates on his hamstring injury, which has kept him out since IPL 2026.The 19-year-old last played in the IPL in Chennai Super Kings' away trip against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18 and has since been trying to find his way back onto the pitch. The teams are preparing for the upcoming domestic season and alongside it, Mhatre has an official date set for his comeback.Ayush Mhatre injury update ahead of 2026/27 domestic seasonIndia's latest U19 World Cup winning captain was a crucial cog in CSK's squad, especially after last season's disappointing campaign. His importance was immediately felt after suffering a high-grade hamstring tear, as the Super Kings finished 8th on the table.Five months since his last competitive match, Mhatre's father, Yogesh Mhatre spoke to the Times of India on Monday and reveled that the batter has fully recovered from the hamstring injury.Furthermore, he told that Ayush is already preparing for the upcoming season with the Mumbai Cricket Association."Ayush is now completely fit and has recovered from his injury in both the hamstrings. He has been training at the MCA indoor facility in BKC for the past 10 days, and is training at the Sainath Cricket Club today," his father told TOI.Also Read: CSK Spinner Ruled Out Of England County Championship StintWhen will Ayush Mhatre return from injury?Mhatre has already missed a lot of action, with around four India squads, including the senior and domestic teams playing simultaneously currently.Having shown so much potential in his young career, the teenager could have been a part of the India A or Rest of India squad, even if he had to wait to break into the playing XI.Nonetheless, the right-hand bat finally has a date of return. As per his father, the player is a part of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy probables and is all in readiness to play a two-day practice match. The said preparatory game will take place from Tuesday, September 29 at the Brabourne Stadium.Next week, he will also represent Sainath Cricket Club in the famous Kanga League 'B' Division from October 2. As he gears up for a return, he would like to stamp his authority for Mumbai in the upcoming domestic season.Ayush Mhatre central to CSK's futureThe 19-year-old has been one of the revelations of the IPL over the past couple of years. Having come in as an injury replacement during IPL 2025, when he was just 17, Mhatre has proven to be one of the best batters in the CSK lineup.CSK has struggled to pick up results in the ongoing IPL cycle but Ayush Mhatre has set himself apart with stylish batting and trying to resemble his idol, Rohit Sharma with his swashbuckling pulls.After 13 matches, spread across two seasons, he has scored high impact 441 runs at a strike rate of 183.75, including a fiery 94(48) against RCB at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.With Zaheer Khan becoming the new CSK head coach, the Mumbai connection could make Ayush Mhatre one of the central figures in the CSK locker room in coming years.Also Read: Rohit Sharma's ODI Record At Barsapara Stadium Guwahati Before IND vs WI 2nd ODI, 2026
