Chennai Super Kings top-order batsman Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 after he injured his left hamstring during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18.CSK has suffered from multiple injuries this season. Veteran MS Dhoni is dealing with a calf strain, pacer Khaleel Ahmed is out with a grade-two quadriceps tear, Nathan Ellis is unavailable and now Mhatre’s injury has further dented the team’s depth.
The game was just over halfway through and CSK was facing a tough challenge. The team may need to move quickly to find a replacement to maintain the recently restored momentum during a long and demanding season.Here are five players who could replace Ayush Mehat:
Deepak Hooda
Deepak Hooda was unsold in the IPL 2026 mini-auction and considering his previous association with CSK in IPL 2025, he could be a viable replacement. He was drafted for Rs 170 crore but had a tough season, scoring just 31 points in seven games. Despite the tough situation, Hooda brings valuable IPL experience and midfield versatility, which makes him a practical option for CSK.
Swastik Chikara
Swastik Chikara, a right-handed opening batsman from Uttar Pradesh, is currently a free agent and has emerged as a strong contender. Known for his aggressive approach to the Powerplay, he could be a potential replacement. In March 2026, Chitkara attracted attention after scoring 69 goals and scoring an unbeaten 195 runs for Gomti Thunder in the Ayodhya Premier League. He was also part of RCB’s 2025 IPL championship team, although he did not play any matches.
Atharva Ted
Atharva Taide was another promising option but went unsold in the IPL 2026 auction. The Vidarbha captain recently led the team to win the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time and scored 128 runs in the final against Saurashtra. He has previously represented Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ted provides stability and leadership, making him a strong candidate for CSK.
Manan Vohra
Manan Vohra, an experienced top-order batsman, is also available as a free agent after going unsold in the 2026 auction. Despite not playing in the current IPL season, Vohra has remained highly active and successful in the Indian domestic circuit as captain of the Chandigarh team. Having completed the important milestone of crossing 10,000 runs across all formats in domestic cricket in March 2026, he can help CSK cement their top-flight status.
Yash Durr
Yash Dhull is another interesting choice. After going unsold at the 2026 auction, he gradually returned to form after undergoing major heart surgery in 2024. A prolific domestic cricketer, Durr has limited experience in the IPL with Delhi Capitals, scoring just 16 runs in 4 games he played, but has strong potential. As an injury replacement, he could be a long-term investment for CSK.
