Khaleel Ahmed and Akash Madhwal in frame. Credits AFP, AP
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are not having a great Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). Two wins and four losses don't go with CSK's ethos. Moreover, they are down with injuries in the camp. Khaleel Ahmed was ruled out of the season, and MS Dhoni has yet to play a game in the IPL 2026.
As CSK played in Ahmed's absence vs SRH, the left-arm seamer's absence was felt. They had to rejig the whole bowling, as Akeal Hosein was dropped for Matthew Short, while Mukesh Choudhary played as a new-ball quick.
The bowling didn't fare well in Hyderabad, with SRH posting 194/9. Chasing it, Ayush Mhatre's efforts (30 off 13 balls) went in vain, as the five-time champions' tall batting line-up perished for 184/8. Not only did they lose their fourth game of the season, but Chennai had Mhatre injured. But more on that later.
Rajvardhan Hangargekar set to attend CSK trial
With too many injuries in the camp, CSK are having trials in middle of the season to prepare backups for their injured players. Ahead of the SRH vs CSK game, Akash Madhwal was asked to bowl in the Chennai nets as a trial.
The Roorkee-born has IPL experience under his belt, playing for Mumbai and Rajasthan.
Reportedly, the Chennai management is wandering with the thought of bringing in Rajvardhan Hangargekar. The Maharashtra all-rounder was with them during 2022–2024, and played two games in their victorious season in IPL 2023.
"Akash Madhwal, the former MI pacer, attended CSK's trials in Hyderabad. Meanwhile, it is learnt that Rajvardhan Hangargekar will attend a trial with the CSK team in Mumbai," a report from Cricbuzz stated.
It is learnt that the left-arm quick from Gujarat, Arzan Nagwaswalla, has also been called in for trials.
Calling Rajvardhan Hangargekar and Nagwaswalla for trial can either mean curtains down for Madhwal, or CSK will pick between the three whoever has bowled better in the nets.
Is Ayush Mhatre out of IPL 2026?
Meanwhile, the 19-year-old Ayush Mhatre, who has been one of the most impressive batters in the CSK line-up, has had a hamstring tear. The injury occurred while batting against SRH, when the number 3 tried to convert a single into a two.
Although Mhatre tried showing determination and continued batting, he was eventually dismissed by Nitish Kumar Reddy. Later, he walked off the field with the assistance of the team physio Tommy Simsek and Ramakrishna Ghosh.
It is understood that the 19-year-old batter is set to miss at least a few matches. More clarity will be available after his scans, scheduled for Monday (April 20).
"Obviously it is a hamstring tear. I don't know how bad it is. They will scan him tomorrow, or the next day I'm not sure. But yeah, looks pretty bad, unfortunately. He's going to be a big loss, because he's been in really nice touch for us," CSK's batting coach Michael Hussey said after the game.
Will MS Dhoni play in 2026 IPL for CSK?
Additionally, there is no major clarity over MS Dhoni's availability. He is currently recovering from a calf strain sustained during pre-season training ahead of IPL 2026.
The 44-year-old wicketkeeper was with Chennai in Hyderabad, as he travelled with the team for the first time in an away game this season. Dhoni is reportedly set to be part of the CSK Playing XI against either Mumbai or Gujarat.
Ruturaj Gaikwad's Super Kings will next be seen in action in the IPL El Clásico vs MI at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.
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