Chennai Super Kings have been dealt another blow in IPL 2026 as their top-order batter Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of the season. Mhatre picked up a left hamstring injury during CSK’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18, and the setback now threatens to disrupt the balance of the franchise’s batting unit.
CSK’s campaign has already been marred by a series of fitness concerns. MS Dhoni is managing a calf issue, while pacer Khaleel Ahmed has been sidelined with a grade 2 quadriceps tear. Nathan Ellis is also unavailable, and with Mhatre now added to the list, CSK will need to reassess their squad depth at a crucial stage of the tournament.
With the league stage only halfway completed, the task becomes even more urgent for CSK. Any replacement will not only have to slot into the team quickly, but also help them sustain the momentum they have recently managed to regain in a long and demanding season.
Five possible replacements for Ayush Mhatre
Deepak Hooda
Deepak Hooda, who went unsold in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, could be a practical option for CSK. He previously had a connection with the franchise during IPL 2025 and has the kind of middle-order flexibility that can be useful in a replacement scenario. Hooda was bought for Rs 1.70 crore, but his season struggled to take off as he managed only 31 runs from seven matches. Even so, his IPL experience and ability to bat in different roles make him a credible candidate.
Swastik Chikara
Swastik Chikara is another name to watch as a potential stand-in. The right-handed opening batter from Uttar Pradesh is currently a free agent and has been viewed as an aggressive option for the Powerplay. Chikara caught attention in March 2026 by hammering an unbeaten 195 off 69 balls for Gomti Thunder in the Ayodhya Premier League. He was also part of RCB’s title-winning squad in IPL 2025, though he did not play any matches during that campaign, leaving him with an opportunity to make his mark if called upon.
Atharva Taide
Atharva Taide could also fit the profile of a dependable replacement. The Vidarbha captain remained unsold in the IPL 2026 auction, but recent performances have strengthened his case. Taide steered his team to their first Vijay Hazare Trophy title, producing a match-winning 128 in the final against Saurashtra. He has previously represented Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, and his combination of leadership and batting stability could appeal to CSK.
Manan Vohra
Manan Vohra is available as a free agent after going unsold in the 2026 auction. While he is not currently featuring in the ongoing IPL season, Vohra has stayed active and productive in domestic cricket while serving as captain of Chandigarh. In March 2026, he crossed the landmark of 10,000 runs in domestic cricket across all formats. Given his top-order experience, he could provide CSK with a steady option to reinforce their batting depth.
Yash Dhull
Yash Dhull rounds out the list of intriguing alternatives. After also going unsold in the 2026 auction, he has worked his way back into form following major heart surgery in 2024. Dhull has limited IPL exposure, having played for Delhi Capitals where he scored 16 runs in four matches, but his domestic output suggests he has significant upside. For CSK, he could be a longer-term investment as an injury replacement who may grow into a more regular role.
