Chennai Super Kings have won only two out of six matches so far in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Their season has only gotten tougher as their key batter Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of the season. He sustained a hamstring injury during the previous game against Sunrisers Hyderabad and will now take around 6 to 12 weeks to recover completely. While the franchise will be looking for a replacement soon, let us have a look at three players who can Mhatre in the playing XI for the match against Mumbai Indians:
1. Urvil Patel
Urvil Patel is the likeliest replacement for Mhatre, having impressed last season after coming into the team as an injury replacement. He played three matches for CSK in IPL 2025 and scored 68 runs at a brilliant strike rate of 212.5. He can take advantage of the powerplay overs and can replicate the role that Mhatre played during his short stint in IPL 2026.
2. Kartik Sharma
Kartik Sharma was paid Rs 14.5 crore by CSK at the auction, but he scored only 25 runs in three matches at the start of IPL 2026. An injury to Mhatre might give him another opportunity, this time at the top of the order if the five-time champions decide to utilise his skills. At number three, Kartik will certainly get a chance to showcase his skills and power-hitting as more often than not, he will come out to bat in the powerplay. Will CSK give a chance to a youngster instead of Urvil? Well, only time will tell.
3. Prashant Veer
This could be a left-field selection, but Prashant Veer certainly is not an option to bat at the top of the order. He could be included in the playing XI down the order, where he impressed in one of the earlier matches, scoring 43 runs. He can bowl left-arm spin as well, providing the much-needed variety in the CSK bowling line-up. In this case, CSK can try either Sarfaraz Khan or Matt Short at number three who can take the attack to the opposition in the first six overs and give the team a swift start.
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