New Delhi, 22 April 2026: Chennai Super Kings’ top order batsman Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remaining matches of IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury sustained during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. This injury has increased Chennai’s worries during the current season.

Former captain MS Dhoni is suffering from calf muscle strain. Fast bowler Khalil Ahmed is out with a Grade 2 quadriceps tear. Nathan Ellis was out first. Chennai has been able to win only two out of six matches played this season, due to which their path ahead has become difficult. The team will need to find new players as soon as possible. Here are five players who can replace Ayush Mhatre.

Deepak Hooda

Deepak Hooda remained unsold in the mini-auction held before IPL 2026. He can be a good option for CSK. He was a part of the same franchise last season and has significant experience of playing in the league.

swastika gazelle

Swastik Chikara, the right-handed opener from Uttar Pradesh, is a strong contender. Chikara, known for his aggressive batting in the powerplay, can replace Ayush. In March 2026, Chikara scored an unbeaten 195 off just 69 balls for Gomti Thunder in the Ayodhya Premier League. He was part of RCB last season, but did not play a single match.

Atharva Tayde

Atharva Tyde was not sold in the IPL 2026 defeat. The Vidarbha captain had recently led his team to its first Vijay Hazare Trophy title. He scored a match-winning 128 runs in the final against Saurashtra. Tayde, who has previously played for Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, can join Chennai.

Manan Whora

Experienced top-order batsman Manan Vohra remained unsold in the 2026 IPL deal. Despite not playing in the current IPL season, Vohra remains active in Indian domestic cricket as the captain of Chandigarh. He can strengthen Chennai’s batting at the top order.

fame dust

Even Yash Dhool was not sold in the auction held at the end of last year. He has returned to form after undergoing major heart surgery in 2024. An excellent player in domestic cricket, Dhull has previously represented Delhi Capitals in the IPL. He has scored only 16 runs in four league matches.