In another setback for Chennai Super Kings, fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out of the remainder of the IPL 2026 season owing to a quadriceps injury, which he incurred during the game against the Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Chennai Super Kings' captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, left, with Khaleel Ahmed during IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders, at MA Chidambaram Stadium (PTI)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
The incident occurred in his final over of the match when Khaleel abruptly pulled out of his run-up before delivering the last ball, clutching his right leg in visible pain. He was soon forced to walk off the field.
“Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out of IPL 2026 after sustaining a right quadricep injury in the game against KKR,” CSK confirmed on Thursday, wishing him a speedy recovery.
The left-arm pacer had been among CSK’s more consistent performers early in the season, featuring in all five matches and picking up two wickets at an economy rate of 8.67.
While the franchise did not disclose the severity of the injury, a report by PTI stated that Khaleel is likely to be sidelined for close to three months. “It is a grade 2 tear and the rehab will take at least 10–12 weeks,” an IPL source said.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
While the franchise did not disclose the severity of the injury, a report by PTI stated that Khaleel is likely to be sidelined for close to three months. “It is a grade 2 tear and the rehab will take at least 10–12 weeks,” an IPL source said.
{{/usCountry}}
Khaleel, who has played 11 ODIs and 18 T20Is for India, last featured for the national team in July 2024.
The setback comes just as CSK began to regain momentum in IPL 2026. After losing their first three matches to languish at the bottom of the table, the five-time champions bounced back with consecutive wins at Chepauk to climb to eighth place.
Injuries have been a recurring concern for CSK this season. Ahead of the campaign, both MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis were sidelined with calf and side strain injuries respectively. While Brevis has since returned, Dhoni remains out with no confirmed timeline for his comeback.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
CSK are also awaiting the arrival of Spencer Johnson, who was signed as a replacement for the injured Nathan Ellis. The Australian quick is recovering from a back injury and is expected to join the squad next week, having resumed bowling.
“I mean to have someone like him with his pace and great skills is important, but we’re not sure how much of a role he’ll play this year,” CSK bowling coach Eric Simons said. “But that’s fine, he’s a fantastic acquisition. He’s got some tremendous attributes.”
Aratrick Mondal is a senior sports journalist based in New Delhi. In his eight years as a sports writer, Aratrick has worked at leading media organisations, including The Times of India, Times Now, Zee, India TV and currently works at a senior position at Hindustan Times Digital. He writes on cricket, football, pickleball and tennis, among other sports. He has extensively covered India's evolving cricket landscape, the country's new-found love for private leagues such as Indian Pickleball League (IPBL), Ultimate Kho Kho League (UKK), Rugby Premier League (RPL) and several tennis leagues. He has closely covered emerging sports such as pickleball. His coverage of major franchise events lends an atmospheric flavor to his ground reports. His recent story on how SA20 (the domestic cricket league of South Africa) had opened up its grounds to create a carnival-like fan experience garnered major international attention, including appreciation from major cricketers. Tennis holds a special place in his heart. Aratrick has built a strong niche in analytical tennis stories—ranging from Grand Slam narratives and player profiles to tactical breakdowns and ranking trends. His long-form features often decode grand slams, career highs and lows of tennis greats and the upward trajectory of emerging stars. He also closely follows India's tennis landscape, having covered the Davis Cup, Bengaluru Open and Tata Open, among others. His reporting is backed by strong data capabilities, with hands-on experience using tools like Python, Tableau, and Excel to produce visually rich, insight-led stories. This data-first approach enhances accuracy, transparency, and trust. In leadership roles, he has managed editorial shifts, overseen homepage strategy, optimised SEO workflows, and mentored peers to deliver consistent, high-traffic journalism. He recently won the HT DigiStar award for the third quarter of financial year 2025-26. Aratrick is trusted for his balanced reportage, sound sourcing, and ability to translate complex sporting events into engaging narratives that speak to a wide audience. He believes sports is for everyone, not just for the enthusiasts and has a unique ability to bring people together - just like the sumptuous meals you'll often find him cooking on a weekend evening.
Get live cricket scores, match updates, schedules, results and ICC rankings. Follow the latest news, statistics and performances of top teams and players on Hindustan Times.
Get live cricket scores, match updates, schedules, results and ICC rankings. Follow the latest news, statistics and performances of top teams and players on Hindustan Times.
Home/Cricket/CSK dealt crushing injury setback as Khaleel Ahmed ruled out of IPL 2026 in huge blow
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe
