Chennai Tremendous Kings have suffered a significant setback in IPL 2026, with their in-form top-order batter Ayush Mhatre dominated out on Tuesday as a consequence of a hamstring tear sustained throughout their conflict in opposition to Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18 in Hyderabad. Mhatre had been a key pillar at No.3 for CSK, scoring 201 runs in six matches and offering much-needed stability to the highest order. His absence leaves a big void as CSK put together to face Mumbai Indians.The massive query now’s: who will exchange Mhatre at No.3? As of now, CSK haven’t formally introduced a alternative, leaving the workforce administration with a vital choice forward of the high-stakes encounter.Listed below are 3 potential replacements of Ayush Mhatre at no.3 for CSK

Urvil Patel

Urvil Patel is a promising home expertise already a part of the CSK squad, He was retained by the franchise for Rs 30 lakh following a breakthrough efficiency within the 2025 season. Whereas he has been benched for the preliminary matches of the 2026 season, he’s the like-to-like alternative of CSK and a powerful candidate to step into the beginning XI as a consequence of an harm to Mhatre. He joined CSK mid-season in 2025 as a alternative for the injured Vansh Bedi. He made a right away influence on debut in opposition to KKR, scoring 31 runs off simply 11 balls.

Sarfaraz Khan

Within the ongoing season, Sarfaraz has transitioned from his red-ball dominance to a high-impact T20 position. In 6 matches thus far, he has scored 147 runs at a median of 29.40 and smashed a 25-ball half-century in opposition to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on 5 April 2026, which was his first IPL fifty in seven years. Whereas his batting place is presently at no.4, he might exchange Mhatre’s place giving batting depth to workforce by including an additional batter.

Kartik Sharma

Kartik Sharma is one other in-squad possibility who could possibly be tried as a versatile batting selection. He made his IPL debut on 30 March 2026 in opposition to the Rajasthan Royals on the ACA Stadium, Barsapara, the place he scored 18 runs off 15 balls and in his first three matches, he has managed solely 25 runs at a strike charge of 119.05. He performed as an influence sub, however Mhatre’s harm might give him a direct probability within the taking part in XI.