Who will replace Ayush Mhatre at no. 3? Chennai Super Kings suffered a major setback in IPL 2026 with their top-order batter Ayush Mhatre ruled out with a hamstring tear during their clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18 in Hyderabad. Mhatre has been a key pillar at No.3 for CSK, scoring 201 runs in six matches and providing much-needed stability to the top order. His absence leaves a sizable void as CSK prepares to face Mumbai Indians.The big question now is: who will replace Mhatre at No.3? CSK has yet to officially announce the replacement, so the team management has a major decision ahead of them ahead of the high-stakes game.
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Stephen Fleming on CSK’s overhaul, pressure player rule and impact on bowling Here are 3 potential replacements for Ayush Mhatre at No.3 for CSK
Patel said
Urvil Patel is a promising homegrown talent who is already a part of the CSK squad, after a breakthrough performance in the 2025 season, he was retained by the franchise for Rs 30 crore. While he was on the bench for the opening matches of the 2026 season, he is a similar substitute for CSK and a strong candidate to make the starting XI due to Mhatre’s injury. He joined CSK midway through the 2025 season as a replacement for the injured Vanshe Bedi. He made an immediate impact on debut against KKR, scoring 31 runs off just 11 balls.
Sarfaraz Khan
In the ongoing season, Sarfaraz has transitioned from his red ball dominance to a highly impactful T20 role. In 6 matches so far, he has scored 147 runs at an average of 29.40 and on 5 April 2026 he smashed a 25-ball half-century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), his first IPL fifty in seven years. While his batting position is currently at No.4, he could replace Mhatre’s position, which gives the team batting depth, by adding another batting position.
Kartik Sharma
Kartik Sharma is another option in the team that can be tried as a flexible batting option. He made his IPL debut on 30 March 2026 against Rajasthan Royals at the ACA Stadium, Barsapara, where he scored 18 run-offs off 15 balls and managed just 25 runs in his first three matches at a rate of 119.05. He played as an impact substitute, but Mhatre’s injury could give him a direct chance in the playing eleven.
