Who will Replace Ayush Mhatre at CSK for IPL 2026 Season? Four Names Revealed

Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2026 campaign has taken yet another severe hit with explosive young opener Ayush Mhatre officially ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

The 18-year-old, who captained India to the U19 World Cup title earlier this year, suffered a left hamstring injury while pushing for a quick second run during CSK's match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18 in Hyderabad. He received on-field medical attention, battled through discomfort, and was eventually retired out. Scans conducted later confirmed the extent of the damage, leading CSK to issue a statement confirming a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks.

Mhatre had been the standout performer for a struggling CSK side, racking up 201 runs in six innings at a scorching strike rate of 177.88, including two half-centuries. His aggressive starts at the top of the order provided rare momentum in a season where the five-time champions have managed just 2 wins from 6 matches and currently sit seventh on the points table.

As Mhatre won't play any part for the Super Kings this season, the five-time IPL champions would need a replacement. They are yet to name one, but here are four players who can be roped in for the remainder of the season.

IPL 2026: Four Players who can Replace Ayush Mhatre at CSK

Yash Dhull

The former India U19 captain is a technically sound right-handed batter with strong temperament and shot-making ability. He has impressed in domestic red-ball and white-ball cricket with consistent performances, including useful cameos in T20s. Dhull's composure under pressure and ability to build innings could provide the stability CSK desperately need at the top, though he may lack Mhatre's raw explosiveness.

Abhinav Manohar

A proven T20 power-hitter with experience across IPL stints for Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Manohar brings big-hitting credentials, highlighted by his explosive domestic form - including a strike rate nearing 196 in the Maharaja Trophy. He can accelerate quickly in the middle order and offers part-time leg-spin as a bonus, making him a handy multi-dimensional replacement.

Tushar Raheja

The Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter has been in red-hot domestic form, particularly in the TNPL, where he racked up big scores at a blistering strike rate. An aggressive left-hander capable of opening or batting in the top order, Raheja's fearless approach and quick scoring align closely with Mhatre's style, potentially injecting much-needed momentum into CSK's batting.

Salman Nizar

The Kerala southpaw is a clean striker of the ball known for his destructive power, most famously for smashing 11 sixes in just 12 balls in a recent Kerala Cricket League innings. Though limited IPL exposure, Nizar's ability to clear boundaries with ease and decent T20 strike rate make him an exciting wildcard option for the middle order. Nizar was also brought in for a trial with Ayush Mhatre in the mid-season last year, but the latter got the nod.