Chennai Super Kings Sign Akash Madhwal as Ayush Mhatre's Replacement for IPL 2026 Chennai Super Kings have confirmed the signing of fast bowler Akash Madhwal as a replacement for injured all-rounder Ayush Mhatre for the remainder of the IPL 2026 season. Mhatre, who had been CSK's leading run-scorer in the tournament so far, was ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury while batting during the team's match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. The injury requires a rehabilitation period of six to 12 weeks, leaving the team to seek a temporary solution. Madhwal, who joins the squad on a base price of INR 30 lakh, will now fill the void left by Mhatre’s absence. Madhwal, a right-arm fast bowler from Uttarakhand, made a notable debut in the 2023 IPL with Mumbai Indians (MI), where he claimed 14 wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of 8.58. However, his performances declined in the following season, as he managed only five wickets in five matches during IPL 2024. After being released by MI ahead of IPL 2025, Madhwal was signed by Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.20 crore but failed to replicate his earlier success, picking up just four wickets in four games. Despite this, he remained part of MI’s setup as a net bowler and even attended Kolkata Knight Riders trials following the injuries of Harshit Rana and Akash Deep. Madhwal’s IPL career to date includes 17 matches and 23 wickets at an average of 10.05. His most memorable performance came in the 2023 IPL eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants, where he took a sensational five-wicket haul. However, his lack of consistent form in recent seasons led to him missing out on a bid at the IPL 2026 auction. Now, with CSK in need of a reliable fast bowler, Madhwal’s inclusion is seen as a strategic move to bolster the team’s bowling attack.#ipl_2026 #chennai_super_kings #ayush_mhatre #mumbai_indians #akash_madhwal
