CSK sign Akash Madhwal as Ayush Mhatre replacement

Chennai Super Kings have opted to strengthen their bowling arsenal as they've named right-arm pacer Akash Madhwal as a replacement player for top-order batter Ayush Mhatre. Mhatre, who made an impressive start to the season, was recently ruled out for the remainder of IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury. Madhwal joins CSK for INR 30 Lakh.

Madhwal started as a net bowler with RCB in 2019. In 2022, he was roped in by Mumbai Indians as a replacement for an injured Suryakumar Yadav, with just two matches to go in the season. He didn't play then but impressed in the nets to get his break in the following year. In the 2023 season, he picked 14 wickets in eight matches, most notably returning incredible figures of 5 for 5 against Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator fixture in Chennai. He played just five matches in 2024, picking five wickets.

Yet, he sparked a mini-tussle at the mega auction that followed before the 2025 season, where Rajasthan Royals beat Punjab Kings to his signature for INR 1.20 crore. He however, played only four matches for RR and was subsequently released.

He had no takers in the next auction, but has now found a new home in the IPL at CSK. Madhwal adds some bowling cushion in a season where CSK have been ravaged with injuries. They lost Nathan Ellis to an injury before the start of the tournament and Khaleel Ahmed midway through.