IPL 2026: Akash Madhwal joins CSK as injured Ayush Mhatre's replacement

Former Mumbai Indians pacer Akash Madhwal has joined the Chennai Super Kings squad midway into the ongoing 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a replacement of injured Ayush Mhatre.

The fast bowler from Uttarakhand was recently spotted in the net session of the Chennai-based team in Hyderabad, ahead of their game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, April 18.

Apart from Madhwal, a few other pacers had reported to the CSK camp as a replacement player. However, Madhwal emerged as the first-choice pick for the five-time champions. An official announcement was made on April 23.

Official Announcement

Speed incoming!! ⚡️
Akash Madhwal is now #Yellove 💛

Note: Akash Madhwal replaces Ayush Mhatre, who has been ruled out due to hamstring injury.#WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/tSgnZupmZb

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 23, 2026

Madhwal is likely be pulled in straight into the playing XI as the frontline pacer, likely to open the attack with the ball for Chennai in the match against MI, the franchise for which he made his IPL debut in 2023. He also played for Rajasthan Royals. He was unsold in the 2026 mini-auction, though. Madhwal's inclusion is even more likely as CSK pacer Mukesh Choudhary has left the squad due to a family bereavement.

For the unversed, Mhatre eas the fifth injury concern CSK have had in this IPL season already. They already lost Nathan Ellis even before the start of the season, and he was later replaced by Spencer Johnson. Later in the season, CSK lost Khaleel Ahmed to a quadricep injury before youngster Mhatre injured his hamstring to be ruled out of the tournament.

MS Dhoni, the legendary cricketer, is suffering from a calf strain and is yet to feature in a game. Dewald Brevis, too, missed the first few games due to a side strain.

CSK's updated squad for IPL 2026

Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson, MS Dhoni, Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Sarfaraz Khan, Noor Ahmad, Akeal Hosein, Gurjapneet Singh, Matt Henry, Jamie Overton, Matt Short, Urvil Patel, Aman Khan, Zak Foulkes, Ramkrishna Ghosh, Rahul Chahar, Spencer Johnson, Mukesh Choudhary, Akash Madhwal