Chennai Super Kings top-order batsman Ayush Mahatre has been ruled out of the remaining matches of IPL 2026 after suffering a left hamstring injury during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18.CSK have already faced several injuries this season. Veteran MS Dhoni is dealing with a calf strain, pacer Khalil Ahmed has been ruled out with a Grade 2 quadriceps tear, Nathan Ellis is unavailable, and now Mahatre’s injury has reduced his squad depth further.
Just halfway through the tournament, CSK faces a significant challenge. The team may need to act quickly to find replacements to maintain their recently regained momentum through a long and difficult season.Here are five players who can replace Ayush Mahatre:
Deepak Hooda
Deepak Hooda, who was not sold in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, could be a viable replacement in IPL 2025 given his previous association with CSK. He was picked up for Rs 1.70 crore but had a difficult season, scoring just 31 runs in seven matches. Despite his struggles, Hooda brings valuable IPL experience and versatility to the middle order, making him a viable option for CSK.
Swastik Chikara
Uttar Pradesh right-handed opening batsman Swastik Chakara is currently a free agent and has emerged as a strong contender. Known for his aggressive power play approach, he could be a potential replacement. In March 2026, Chikara grabbed attention by scoring an unbeaten 195 off just 69 balls for Gomti Thunder in the Ayodhya Premier League. He was also part of RCB’s IPL 2025 title-winning squad, although he did not feature in any of the matches.
Atharva Tide.
Atharva Tide is another promising option that went unsold in the IPL 2026 auction. The Vidarbha captain recently scored a match-winning 128 in the final against Saurashtra to lead his side to their first Vijay Hazare Trophy title. Having previously represented Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ted offers stability and leadership, making him a strong candidate for CSK.
Manan Vehra
Manan Vohra, an experienced top-order batsman, is also available as a free agent after going unsold in the 2026 auction. While not playing in the current IPL season, Vohra has been extremely active and successful in the Indian domestic circuit as captain of Chandigarh. In March 2026, he completed the milestone of crossing 10,000 runs in domestic cricket across all formats, he can help CSK strengthen their top order.
Yash dust
Yash Dhol is another interesting option. After going unsold at the 2026 auction, he has worked his way back to form in 2024 following major heart surgery. A prolific performer in domestic cricket, Dhaul has limited IPL experience with Delhi Capitals in which he scored just 16 runs in 4 matches, but possesses strong potential. He could be a long-term investment for CSK as an injury replacement.
