New Delhi, 21 April

Chennai Super Kings batter Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing IPL season due to a hamstring injury, dealing a major blow to the five-time champions.

The franchise said Mhatre, who sustained the injury during CSK’s game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 18 April, will require a rehabilitation period of six to 12 weeks.

The 18-year-old, who came in as an impact substitute, was seen in visible discomfort and clutched his hamstring while attempting a run during CSK’s 10-run loss to SRH in Hyderabad.

He required on-field treatment but was dismissed soon after.

"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," CSK's batting coach Mike Hussey said.

Mhatre has been CSK's standout batter this season. He collected 201 runs from six matches at a strike-rate of 177.87.