CSK fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed ruled out of IPL 2026 after picking up quadriceps injury

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.

Defending 192 in the second innings, Khaleel bowled well and took the all-important wicket of free-scoring Sunil Narine at the top of the order. However, whilst running in to bowl the final ball of his four-over spell, the left-arm seamer stopped mid-run-up, holding 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’s injury was significant, and he will now miss the rest of the IPL season, with CSK having nine more group stage matches left. According to reports, the pace bowler has a grade 2 tear and will be out for at least 10 to 12 weeks. 

The five-time champions will be looking to sign a replacement to take Khaleel’s place in the squad. They already have capable substitutes in their squad. These include the likes of Spencer Johsnon and Mukesh Choudhary. The latter has played 16 times for CSK in three seasons, taking 17 wickets along the way. 

Khaleel, meanwhile, was playing his second season at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Last season, he took 15 wickets to finish as CSK’s second-highest wicket-taker behind Noor Ahmad. Before being ruled out due to his injury, the 28-year-old had taken two wickets from five matches at an economy rate of 8.67.

It is worth mentioning that despite Khaleel’s unfortunate injury, CSK went on to win the game against KKR at Chepauk. The five-time champions secured a 32-run victory thanks to Noor’s 3 for 21 spell.

After a disappointing start to the 2026 season, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side have now won two consecutive games after beating the Delhi Capitals and KKR, both at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.