IPL 2026: CSK sign Akash Madhwal as replacement for injured Ayush Mhatre
Akash Madhwal (Source: Getty Images)
Published - 23 Apr 2026, 03:07 PM• Read time - 2 mins
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed fast bowler Akash Madhwal as a replacement for Ayush Mhatre, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) due to a left hamstring injury. Mhatre got injured during the match 27 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 18.
Madhwal began his IPL journey as a net bowler with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2019. He was signed by Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2022 as a replacement for an injured Suryakumar Yadav, with just two matches remaining in the season.
Madhwal finally got to play his first match in 2023 after impressing in the nets and went on to have a brilliant season for MI, taking 14 wickets from 8 matches.
After being in MI for three seasons, he was picked up by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2025 season and went unsold at the IPL 2026 mini auction. Madhwal has now been signed for Rs 30 lakh by CSK for the remainder of the IPL 2026.
The 32-year-old has played 17 matches in his IPL career so far and scalped 23 wickets at an average of 25.65 with one five-wicket haul to his name. Madhwal shattered record books during his debut season, registering the best-ever figures in IPL playoffs as well as by an uncapped bowler, taking 5/5 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Eliminator match of 2023.
CSK camp hit with injuries
It's the third injury setback for CSK earlier; Nathan Ellis (hamstring) and Khaleel Ahmed (quadricep) were also ruled out of the tournament due to fitness issues.
The string of injuries has also affected CSK's performances on the field as they're ranked eighth on the points table with two wins from six matches, having four points to their name. They will next take on Mumbai Indians on April 23 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
