Ex-MI pacer Akash Madhwal joins CSK as replacement for injured Ayush Mhatre

Chennai Super Kings have signed Akash Madhwal as a replacement for Ayush Mhatre, who has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury.Madhwal, a right-arm fast bowler, brings valuable IPL experience, having previously represented Mumbai Indians (2023, 2024) and Rajasthan Royals (2025). In 17 IPL matches, he has picked up 23 wickets, including a memorable five-wicket haul, an outstanding 5/5 in the Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants during his debut season with MI.Mhatre, India’s U-19 World Cup-winning captain, had made a strong start to the season for CSK, scoring two half-centuries in six matches before suffering a left hamstring injury while batting against Sunrisers Hyderabad.Madhwal joins CSK for a fee of Rs 30 lakh as the franchise looks to reinforce its squad for the remainder of the tournament.The high-voltage IPL 2026 "El Clasico" between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) takes place tonight, 23 April 2026, at the Wankhede Stadium. Both five-time champions are currently struggling in the bottom half of the points table, each with 2 wins from 6 matches. MI holds 7th place due to a superior Net Run Rate (NRR), while CSK sits 8th. MI enters the game with major confidence after a massive 99-run demolition of the Gujarat Titans, powered by Tilak Varma's century. CSK is grappling with injuries and inconsistent form. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is struggling, with only 82 runs this season, while key opener Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.