Big blow for CSK: Khaleel Ahmed ruled out of IPL 2026 due to injury
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Chennai Super Kings’ ace pacer Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out of the IPL 2026 due to an injury. The left-arm pacer sustained a serious quadriceps injury while bowling his last over of the spell against Kolkata Knight Riders at M.A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. At the time of injury, he was not able to bowl his last delivery of the spell. Gurjapneet Singh bowled in place of him. This is a major blow for CSK.
The incident happened in the 17th over. He had already bowled 5 deliveries of the over, but just before the final, he suddenly clutched his right thigh. After some medical attention, he tries to run, but he can’t. Then, he was off the field. After that, he underwent a medical examination, which confirmed the severity of his injury, revealing that he had sustained a Grade 2 tear. This injury has been described as a high-grade partial tear, involving a strain in the right Rectus Femoris tendon accompanied by a complete rupture of the muscle's direct head. Khaleel has been advised for a long rehabilitation. It will take him at least 10 to 12 weeks to recover, making it clear that Khaleel will not be seen again in the IPL 2026.
Before getting injured, Khaleel Ahmed took 1 wicket and conceded 24 runs in 3.5 overs. He made an important contribution with the ball in CSK’s second victory of the season. He delivered a wonderful spell in the power play, conceding 17 runs in 3 overs and dismissed Sunil Narine.
The Chennai Super Kings management has not yet provided any update regarding a replacement for Khaleel. Khaleel's IPL campaign so far has not been particularly impressive; in the five matches played so far, he has managed to take only two wickets at an economy rate of 8.67. The impact of Khaleel's poor form was clearly visible in CSK's overall performance, as the team suffered defeats in their very first three matches. However, CSK has certainly staged a comeback by defeating the Delhi Capitals and the Kolkata Knight Riders. Chennai Super Kings are currently in 8th position in the points table, with 2 wins and 3 losses. They will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next cricket match. The match will be held at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, on April 19.
The CSK team is already grappling with the calf injury sustained by their leader, MS Dhoni, and Khaleel being ruled out will only compound their difficulties. The good news for the team is that Dewald Brevis has recovered from his injury and has even played two matches already. CSK's bowling attack appears quite inexperienced; consequently, the team will likely look to bring an experienced bowler into their squad to replace Khaleel.
