Breaking! CSK bring in Akash Madhwal as replacement for Ayush Mhatre in IPL 2026

In a massive development, the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), have roped in Akash Madhwal as a replacement for Ayush Mhatre for the remainder of the IPL 2026.

Ayush Mhatre, the U19 World Cup-winning captain, looked in top-notch form in IPL 2026 for CSK, but he suffered a hamstring injury against Sunrisers Hyderabad, which has ruled him out of the competition.

CSK rope in Akash Madhwal as Ayush Mhatre’s replacement

The 32-year-old Akash Madhwal, who has previously represented the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), in the IPL has joined CSK for his base price of INR 30 lakh.

Also Read: “Shivam Dube is not a finisher” - Ravichandran Ashwin questions CSK's batting order amid struggles in IPL 2026

Earlier it was reported by Cricbuzz that Madhwal had attended CSK's trials conducted in Hyderabad, where their last match was held.

Akash Madhwal's IPL career and performance

Madhwal had originally gotten his first taste of IPL cricket as a net bowler for RCB in 2021. The next year, he was signed as a replacement player by Mumbai Indians for the injured Suryakumar Yadav.

Madhwal made his IPL debut in 2023, and took 14 wickets in 8 matches for Mumbai Indians. That season had a best performance of 5/5 in the Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants. It was the first time that a bowler had taken a five wicket haul in an IPL playoff match.

5/5 are also the joint-best bowling figures by an Indian bowler in IPL histpry.

In IPL 2024, MI finished in last place and Madhwal took only 5 wickets in 5 matches at an economy of over 11. In 2025, Madhwal joined Rajasthan Royals but only managed 4 wickets in 4 matches against at an economy of more than 11 runs an over.

After going unsold in the IPL 2026 auction, Madhwal hasn't been seen on the field since appearing for Uttarakhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in December 2025.

CSK's injury struggles

Madhwal's inclusion in the CSK squad will provide some cushion to their bowling attack that has already lost the services of Khaleel Ahmed as well.

CSK are yet to announce any replacement for Ahmed but their injury struggles don't end there. Dewald Brevis missed the start of the season, returned midway but got injured again.

Former skipper MS Dhoni has not played any matches at all since he is recovering from a calf strain. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis was also ruled out of the tournament before the season.

Spencer Johnson was roped in to replace Ellis but he has only joined the squad recently. Mukesh Choudharyhas also rejoined the squad after returning to his hometown to take part in his mother's last rites.

All of this has compunded CSK's woes as they are currently eighth on the points table with two wins in six matches.

CSK next match

CSK's next match is on Thursday, April 23. It is the coveted 'El Clasico' of the IPL as CSK will take on Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede stadium.

There is still doubt over whether or not the big names from the two teams - MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma - will feature in this clash.

Also Read: MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma ruled out of MI vs CSK IPL 2026 clash