CSK Sign Akash Madhwal as Ayush Mhatre Replacement in IPL 2026

The Chennai Super Kings have signed Akash Madhwal to replace Ayush Mhatre for the rest of Indian Premier League 2026 season. He had already come for trials and was seen bowling in the nets before the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. Just two days ago, on April 16, Khaleel Ahmed was ruled out of the tournament due to a right quadricep injury.

Madhwal, who has played for the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR), was the frontrunner to replace Khaleel. The 32-year-old has joined CSK’s squad before the MI match on April 23 in Mumbai, but not as Khaleel’s replacement.

Chennai Super Kings sign Akash Madhwal as replacement, await batter decision

Ayush Mhatre got injured during the SRH match, so Chennai Super Kings needed to replace both a top-order batter and a main fast bowler. Akash Madhwal was already set to join the team, but CSK haven’t yet decided who will replace Mhatre as a batter.

So for now, they have announced a fast bowler as a replacement for a batter. Madhwal, who has 23 wickets in 17 matches in the IPL, will join CSK at his auction base price of INR 30 lakh. The right-arm went unsold last year in Abu Dhabi after he had an underwhelming 2025 season with RR.

However, he’s shown in the past that he belongs in the IPL. His career-defining moment was a 5-wicket haul in the 2023 Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants for MI. However, he hasn’t hit that level since. He was released by Mumbai after two seasons, 2023 and 2024. Now, Madhwal has the opportunity to prove his worth with CSK.