Akash Madhwal Replace Ayush Mhatre in IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is continuously facing difficulties in the IPL 2026 season due to injured players. Meanwhile, the team has suffered a big blow in the form of young batsman Ayush Mhatre, who is now out of the entire season.

Ayush Mhatre had shown great form in the initial matches and emerged as a rising star for the team, but he suffered a hamstring injury during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on 18 April. Due to the seriousness of the injury, the medical team has decided to keep him out of the entire season.

CSK gave a chance to Akash Madhwal

In his place, Chennai Super Kings have included fast bowler Akash Madhwal in the team as a replacement. 32-year-old Akash Madhwal comes from Uttarakhand and has prior experience in the IPL.

Debut was for Mumbai Indians

Akash Madhwal has previously been a part of teams like Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals. He made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians in 2023 and impressed with his performance in the same season. Later, he was a part of the same team in the 2024 season also. After this, he was included in their squad by Rajasthan Royals, but he was released this season and no buyer was found in the auction. Now Chennai Super Kings have included him in the team at a base price of Rs 30 lakh.

IPL career till now

Madhwal’s IPL career so far has lasted 17 matches, in which he has taken 23 wickets. His average has been 25.65 and economy rate 10.06. His most memorable performance came in 2023, when he took 5 wickets for 5 runs while playing for Mumbai Indians in the eliminator match against Lucknow Super Giants.

CSK shocked by Mhatre’s injury

In this way, while Chennai Super Kings has suffered a blow due to the exit of Ayush Mhatre, the bowling department is expected to be strengthened with the arrival of Akash Madhwal. The team would now like to perform better in its remaining matches to remain in the race for the playoffs.