Akash Madhwal & THIS all-rounder in contention to replace Khaleel Ahmed at CSK for IPL 2026: Reports

CSK have had a series of injuries affecting top players in the IPL 2026.

Chennai Super Kings are not only struggling with poor form in IPL 2026, having won only two out of six matches. But the five-time champions are also facing bad luck as many of their players have been injured midway through the season.

It all started with Australian pacer and CSK‘s death-over hope Nathan Ellis being ruled out of the tournament due to an injury.

Then MS Dhoni suffered a calf strain and has been on the bench since the start of the tournament. Dewald Brevis joined the CSK XI after suffering a side strain, missing crucial matches at the start.

Khaleel Ahmed and Ayush Mhatre join the ever-growing list of injured players

The recent joiners to the list of injured players in the Chennai Super Kings are pacer Khaleel Ahmed and young opener Ayush Mhatre.

Khaleel suffered a grade two quadricep tear that has ruled him out for the season. He was one of the brightest spots for CSK as they struggled at the start and led their pace attack.

Then, 18-year-old opener Ayush Mhatre suffered a hamstring injury in CSK’s recent games. He tried to continue batting; however, he was dismissed due to much pain. Mhatre is set to undergo scans when CSK visit Mumbai for their next match and is likely to be ruled out for 2-3 weeks.

Akash Madhwal and Rajvardhan Hangargekar are likely to join the CSK squad as replacements

This has led the Chennai Super Kings to find replacements for these injured players. As per Cricbuzz, Akash Madhwal and Rajvardhan Hangargekar are attending CSK trials and might replace Khaleel Ahmed in the CSK squad.

“Akash Madhwal, the former MI pacer, attended CSK’s trials in Hyderabad. Meanwhile, it is learnt that Rajvardhan Hangargekar will attend a trial with the CSK team in Mumbai,” Cricbuzz report stated.

MS Dhoni is with the CSK team, who has already arrived in Mumbai for their next match. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter, who has missed all of CSK’s IPL 2026 games due to a calf ailment, is still rehabilitating, thus it is unclear when he will return.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.