Chennai Super Kings Sign Akash Madhwal as Injury Replacement for Ayush Mhatre

Chennai Super Kings have brought in fast bowler Akash Madhwal as a replacement for Ayush Mhatre for the remainder of the IPL 2026 season, as injuries continue to disrupt their campaign.

Mhatre, who had been CSK’s leading run-scorer this season, was ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury while batting against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. The franchise confirmed that he will require a rehabilitation period of six to 12 weeks. Madhwal joins the squad at his base price of INR 30 lakh.

A right-arm pacer from Uttarakhand, Madhwal first gained attention during IPL 2023 with Mumbai Indians, where he claimed 14 wickets in just eight matches at an economy rate of 8.58. Despite being retained, he struggled to replicate that form in IPL 2024, picking up five wickets in five games. After being released, he was signed by Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2025 but endured another underwhelming season, managing only four wickets in four matches.

Unsold at the IPL 2026 auction, Madhwal remained active within the MI setup as a net bowler and also attended trials with Kolkata Knight Riders. Across his IPL career so far, he has featured in 17 matches, taking 23 wickets at an economy rate of 10.05. His standout performance remains a remarkable 5 for 5 against Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2023 eliminator.

Madhwal joins a CSK squad currently grappling with multiple injury setbacks. Veteran captain MS Dhoni is yet to feature this season due to a calf strain. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury, while his replacement Spencer Johnson is only just returning to fitness. Additionally, pacer Khaleel Ahmed has been sidelined with a right quadricep injury.

It has been a challenging start to IPL 2026 for CSK, who currently sit eighth on the points table with two wins and four losses from six matches. They are set to face Mumbai Indians next at the Wankhede Stadium on April 23, as they look to turn their season around.