Chennai Super Kings have announced right-arm pacer Akash Madhwal as a replacement for the injured Ayush Mhatre in IPL 2026, looking to bolster their struggling bowling attack. Mhatre has already been ruled of this year's tournament due to hamstring injury.

The franchise, already dealing with multiple injury concerns in their bowling unit, has brought in Madhwal for INR 30 lakh. This could prove to be the final push to keep CSK’s campaign alive after a poor season so far.

Madhwal has previously turned out for Mumbai Indians (2023, 2024) and Rajasthan Royals (2025).

The Uttarakhand pacer, who had also attended Chennai Super Kings trials earlier this season, has played 17 IPL matches so far and picked up 23 wickets.

The 32-year-old has a five-wicket haul to his name as well, having delivered remarkable figures of 5/5 in his debut season for MI against Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator.

Across T20 cricket, he has taken 61 wickets in 56 matches and is widely recognised for his death-over bowling skills and calmness under pressure.

Injury crisis in CSK squad

Ayush Mhatre, who was one of the few bright spots for CSK this season, picked up a hamstring injury during the SRH clash and later scans revealed the seriousness of the issue, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

CSK have already been dealing with multiple injury concerns, as Nathan Ellis was ruled out before the IPL began. Their main architect, MS Dhoni has still not played a single game so far. Adding to the list, Khaleel Ahmed has also been ruled out after injury troubles.

The five times champion have managed only two wins in their first six games and things haven’t been quite settled for them this season. The major concern remains their bowling attack, where inexperience and lack of depth have hurt them badly. They need a serious turnaround in their campaign to keep their playoff hopes alive.

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