Chennai Super Kings have signed up fast bowler Akash Madhwal as the replacement for Ayush Mhatre for the rest of the IPL 2026 season.

Mhatre, CSK’s highest run-scorer so far this season, was ruled out after injuring his hamstring while batting during CSK’s previous game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. He will require a rehabilitation period of six to 12 weeks, according to CSK. Madhwal joins CSK for his base price of INR 30 lakh.

Madhwal, a skiddy right-arm fast bowler from Uttarakhand, burst into the limelight in his debut season in 2023, when he picked up 14 wickets in eight matches for Mumbai Indians with an economy of 8.58. He was retained by MI but couldn’t replicate his performances the following season, managing just five wickets in five matches in IPL 2024. After being released by MI ahead of IPL 2025, Madhwal was picked up for INR 1.20 crore by Rajasthan Royals, but he again had an underwhelming season, picking up just four wickets in four games.

As a result, Madhwal did not get a bid at the IPL 2026 auction, but has been part of the MI setup as a net bowler. He also attended Kolkata Knight Riders trials after Harshit Rana and Akash Deep were ruled out. Madhwal has, in all, played 17 games in the IPL and has picked up 23 wickets at an economy of 10.05. This includes a sensational 5 for 5 for MI against Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2023 eliminator.

Madhwal comes into a CSK side that has been hit hard by injuries. MS Dhoni is yet to play a game due to a calf strain. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis was ruled out of the entire season due to a hamstring injury, while his replacement Spencer Johnson is also working his way back from an injury, although he is now fit. More recently, fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed was also ruled out due to a right quadricep injury.

It’s been a tough start to IPL 2026 for CSK, who are placed eighth on the points table with two wins and four losses after six games. They next play against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on April 23.