The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been dealt a major blow with fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed ruled out of the remainder of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) after picking up a quadriceps injury against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their most recent game.
In the second innings, protecting 192, Khaleel was on a roll and secured the wicket of free-scoring Sunil Narine, at the outset. But at the moment of his run-up to strike the last ball of his four-over set, the left-arm seamer halted in the middle of his run-up and was grasping his hamstring. He tried to bowl the last ball again, but indicated he could not and walked off the field in agony, with Gurjapneet Singh finishing the 17th over.
Khaleel Ahmed sustained a serious injury and will no longer participate in the remaining part of the IPL season and CSK has still nine group stage matches remaining. Reports have indicated that the grade 2 tear is on the pace bowler and he will be out of action at least 10 to 12 weeks.
The five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings, will look to find a replacement for Khaleel Ahmed in the squad. Fortunately, they already possess capable backups in Spencer Johnson and Mukesh Choudhary. Notably, Mukesh has represented CSK across three seasons, featuring in 16 matches and picking up 17 wickets.
Meanwhile, Khaleel completed his second season at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. He claimed 15 wickets last season, finishing as CSK’s second-highest wicket-taker behind Noor Ahmad. Moreover, the 28-year-old picked up five wickets in five matches this season before injury ruled him out, maintaining an economy rate of 8.67.
Notably, despite Khaleel Ahmed’s unfortunate injury, Chennai Super Kings still secured a convincing win over Kolkata Knight Riders at Chepauk. The five-time champions clinched a 32-run victory, thanks largely to Noor Ahmad’s outstanding spell of 3/21.
With only a loss against the Mumbai Indians corporation, Dhuria suffers a humiliating defeat, however, having won two games in a row since then, Ruturaj Gaikwad side defeats the Delhi Capitals and KKR, both in the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
