IPL 2026: CSK sign Akash Madhwal as replacement for injured Mhatre
Mumbai, April 23
Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings have signed Akash Madhwal as a replacement for Ayush Mhatre, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury, for a fee of Rs. 30 Lakh.
Having served as a net bowler for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2021, Madhwal, a right-arm fast bowler, made his debut for the Mumbai Indians in 2023, wherein he took a five-wicket haul with impressive figures of 5/5 in his debut season for MI in the crucial IPL 2023 Eliminator against the Lucknow Super Giants.
However, his performance declined in the 2024 season, where he took only five wickets in five matches. In the previous edition, he played for Rajasthan Royals, claiming four wickets in four games. Overall, he has 23 wickets from 17 matches in the tournament but went unsold at the IPL 2026 auction.
Madhwal, a 32-year-old uncapped Indian right-arm medium-fast bowler from Roorkee, was named captain of Uttarakhand for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy ahead of the 2022-23 domestic season, highlighting his rising prominence in the circuit.
Earlier reports stated that Madhwal took part in CSK trials and was a strong contender to replace Khaleel Ahmed, who missed the tournament due to a quadriceps injury. The team faced three straight losses early on but recovered with consecutive wins. Although he took only two wickets in five matches, his overall performance was solid, with an economy rate of 8.67 so far.
Chennai played their first match without Khaleel against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), conceding 194 runs in 20 overs, and then lost the game. Meanwhile, Mhatre, India's U19 World Cup-winning captain, began the season strongly for CSK, scoring two fifties in six matches before suffering a left hamstring injury while batting in their recent game against SRH.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Feel bad for Ayush Mhatre. He was finally getting some runs and then this hamstring injury. U19 captaincy and now this, the kid has potential but injuries keep holding him back. Hope he recovers fully for the next season. 🙏
Interesting pick by CSK. Madhwal has experience across multiple franchises (RCB, MI, RR) so he knows the drill. But I'm skeptical about a 32-year-old uncapped player being the answer to their bowling woes. They need someone who can consistently hit 140+ in the death overs.
Akash Madhwal's journey from a net bowler for RCB to captaining Uttarakhand is quite inspiring. But IPL is a different beast altogether. CSK's management usually gets these signings right - remember how they revived Mohit Sharma? Let's see what Fleming and Co. have planned for him.
Another replacement signing that reeks of desperation from CSK. Their bowling has been all over the place this season - conceding 194 against SRH was embarrassing. Madhwal's economy of 8.67 this season isn't terrible, but he needs to take wickets. Just 2 in 5 matches is mediocre. 🤔
Whistle podu! 🦁 As a CSK supporter, I trust the management. They've always had an eye for underrated talent. Madhwal's 5/5 in a playoff game shows he has the temperament. At 30 Lakhs, this is bargain hunting at its
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