New Delhi, May 7 -- Chennai Super Kings were knocked out of the playoffs race early in IPL 2025. They were eliminated after their 10th league game and for the first time CSK are not featuring in the playoffs for two consecutive years.

However, the five-time champions seem to be ahead of everyone in their preparations for IPL 2026.

CSK drafted three players as replacements for their injured squad members. Two of them, Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis, have already made a mark in their limited appearances. Brevis has even become a crowd favourite, thanks to his entry alone.

Ayush Mhatre, on the other hand, has become the youngest debutant and half-centurion for CSK in the Indian Premier League. Gujarat's Urvil Patel, the latest replacement...