Chennai Super Kings have roped in Akash Madhwal as a replacement for Ayush Mhatre for the rest of Indian Premier League 2026. Mhatre sustained a left hamstring injury while batting during Match 27 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Madhwal joins CSK for an amount of INR 30 lakh and is a right-arm fast bowler. Despite his recent arrival to the league, Madhwal has significant IPL experience having played 17 matches already and bagged 23 wickets, the best being 5/5 against Lucknow Super Giants in an Eliminator during his debut season with Mumbai Indians.
Madhwal Adds Pace, CSK Tweak Plans
Madhwal played for Mumbai Indians in 2023 and 2024 and then played for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 season. He is expected to bowl in the death overs, providing crucial breakthroughs.
He was expected to be a replacement for Khaleel Ahmed who is also out of the tournament, but the CSK has officially named him Mhatre's replacement.
This may lead to changes in the batting line up and it is anticipated Urvil Patel might get a look in the top order at the place of Mhatre. Short might miss out completely as it is likely yhat the speedster Spencer Johnson makes his debut for the playing XI.
Mhatre, who captained India in the Under-19 World Cup final win had an impressive start to the IPL 2026 scoring two fifties in six games and was expected to play an important role before his untimely injury ended his season.
Doni's Absence and Injury Issues Continues
However, injury woes for CSK doesn't end there. Mahendra Singh Dhoni who was assumed to make an appearance against Mumbai Indians in their upcoming encounter is also expected to miss the match. The veteran is still recovering and he will now target a return in the clash against Gujarat Titans to mark his first appearance of the season.
CSK campaign so far has been hit by the injury concerns with numerous players making their way to the unavailability list in various crucial occasions due to which they have faced problems in maintaining their rhythm and are placed in the bottom half of the table.
With the arrival of Madhwal and return of veteran players, the Yellow Brigade can hope to regain momentum in upcoming encounters. As the tournament enters in the crucial phase, CSK will be aiming to win the title race by turning the tide quickly and keeping them in the race for playoffs.