Five-time Indian Premier League champions Chennai Super Kings have brought in right-arm fast bowler Akash Madhwal as a replacement for Ayush Mhatre, who has been ruled out of the entire IPL 2026 season with a hamstring injury. Madhwal joins CSK for a fee of INR 30 lakh and is immediately available for selection.
His first potential appearance comes in one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures the high-voltage clash against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
Who Is Akash Madhwal?
Madhwal is no stranger to the IPL, having previously represented Mumbai Indians in 2023 and 2024, and Rajasthan Royals in 2025. Across 17 IPL appearances, he has claimed 23 wickets. He announced himself on the big stage with a stunning 5/5 in his debut season for MI during the Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants a performance that remains one of the most memorable bowling spells in recent IPL history.
Mhatre’s Season Ends Early
Ayush Mhatre, who captained India to the U19 World Cup title, had made a strong start to the season for CSK, registering two fifties in six matches. His campaign was cut short after he sustained a left hamstring injury while batting in Match 27 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
MI vs CSK: High Stakes at Wankhede
Thursday’s contest pits two of the IPL’s most decorated franchises against each other both five-time champions, both stacked with match-winners. However, recent form and results have raised questions about whether the rivalry still carries the same weight it once did.
Mumbai Indians head into the home fixture with momentum, following a dominant bowling display and a pressure century from Tilak Varma against Gujarat Titans that secured their second win of the season. CSK, meanwhile, are looking to arrest a slump after suffering a 10-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad their fourth loss of the campaign.
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