![CSK summon Mumbai all-rounder in mid season trials [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1777287483255_CSKsummonMumbaiall-rounderinmidseasontrials.jpg?type=hq)
CSK summon Mumbai all-rounder in mid season trials [Source: AFP]
Nothing has gone right for the Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL 2026. Right from the start of the tournament, the team has failed to deliver the goods under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad. They have lost 5 out of their 8 IPL games, and have a slim chance of qualifying for the playoffs.
Apart from poor form and the team crumbling under pressure, CSK’s IPL 2026 campaign has also been hampered by injuries to key players. Legendary batter, MS Dhoni, is yet to play a single game in the ongoing tournament due to a calf strain, and two key players, Ayush Mhatre, and Khaleel Ahmed have been ruled out of the tournament.
While their batting remains decent, there is a clear lack of depth in the bowling department, and it was evident after the drubbing at the hands of the Gujarat Titans batters on Sunday.
CSK call Mumbai bowler in trials amid injury issues
The Super Kings still have a chance to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs, and their fate still lies in their own hands. However, injuries have derailed their campaign midway, and to solve that issue, the CSK franchise has called Mumbai all-rounder Ayush Vartak in the mid-season trials.
According to a report by TOI journalist, Gaurav Gupta, the all-rounder has been summoned by the team midway through the campaign, as they battle an injury crisis.
"Mumbai and Parsee Gymkhana allrounder Ayush Vartak has been called for mid-season trials by Chennai Super Kings. He will reach Chennai tonight. CSK have suffered due to injuries. They lost Mumbai Ayush Mhatre & pacer Khaleel Ahmed due to injuries," Gaurav Gupta posted.
CSK have revealed Ayush Mhatre’s replacement in Akash Madhwal, but they are yet to reveal Khaleel Ahmed’s replacement, and Vartak could be the answer to their problems.
Who is Ayush Vartak, CSK's potential new signing?
The 21-year-old all-rounder is one of the most sort after player in the domestic circuit. An all-rounder by profession, Vartak can bowl right-arm medium pace, and is also a decent lower order batter with the ability to clear the fence.
The talented player has represented the North Mumbai Panthers and has also featured for the Mumbai Under-19 squad. He made a name for himself in the Navi Mumbai T20 League, where he smacked 264 runs, with a strike rate of 191, and also scalped 3 wickets.
Also Read: CSK's Injured Star Officially Ruled Out Of IPL 2026
List of CSK injured players in IPL 2026
The Super Kings assembled a strong squad for the IPL 2026, but injuries to key players meant that they had to alter their plans frequently. Most of their key players battled with injuries, and while some are still struggling to make a comeback, others have been ruled out of the IPL 2026.
| Injured Players | Type of injury |
| MS Dhoni | Calf strain |
| Dewald Brevis | Side strain |
| Nathan Ellis | Hamstring |
| Spencer Johnson | Back stress fracture |
| Ayush Mhatre | Hamstring tear |
| Khaleel Ahmed | Quad injury |
While the likes of Dewald Brevis have returned to the field, MS Dhoni is still struggling with fitness issues, and there is no fixed timeline for his comeback. Players like Ayush Mhatre and Khaleel Ahmed have been ruled out as CSK are short of quality players in the team.
Also Read: Sanju Samson Brutally Abuses CSK Teammate As GT Demolish Chennai
