Ayush Mhatre has suffered a hamstring tear, Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed after the 10-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Uppal, adding that it "looks bad" and the No. 3 batter is "going to be a big loss".

Mhatre, who scored 20 off 13 in CSK's botched run chase, looked in good touch and provided the early momentum they have often lacked. However, while batting alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, he struggled to complete a tight second run and was seen clutching onto his left hamstring. He required immediate on-field attention.

He was clearly uncomfortable running between the wickets thereafter and was dismissed a couple of balls later, caught splendidly by Heinrich Klaasen off Nitish Reddy. On his way back to the pavilion, Mhatre had to be helped off the field by Ramakrishna Ghosh and the physio Tommy Simsek.

"Obviously it is a hamstring tear," Hussey said. "I don't know how bad it is. They will scan him tomorrow, or the next day I'm not sure. But yeah, looks pretty bad unfortunately. He's going to be a big loss, because he's been in really nice touch for us. He's an exciting young talent but it's going to give someone else an opportunity. That's exciting as well: we have some really good players who haven't been able to get that opportunity. It's going to be exciting for one of those guys.

"As much as we're really disappointed to lose Ayush, I don't know how long for, but it's exciting for a new player to come in and get a chance".

CSK have a four-day gap before they take on Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. Urvil Patel, who has a 28-ball hundred in T20s and who played at No.3 for CSK last season, is a readymade replacement available in the ranks.