CSK's bowling attack depletes further as Khaleel Ahmed gets ruled out for remainder of IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered yet another telling blow as their left-arm seamer Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out for the remainder of the ongoing IPL 2026 season. Khaleel suffered a right quadricep injury during match No. 22 between Chennai and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. 

He was forced to leave the field five balls into the final over of his spell, and fellow left-arm seamer Gurjapneet Singh was asked to complete the over.

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out of IPL 2026 after sustaining a right quadricep injury in the game against KKR.

Wishing Khaleel a speedy recovery.#WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/PFQz3iSWRq

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 16, 2026

Khaleel's injury has depleted CSK's bowling resources further. They are already without the services of Nathan Ellis, their overseas recruit, who has been ruled out of the entire season and is currently nursing a hamstring injury.

They have named Spencer Johnson as Ellis' replacement, who is also working his way back to competitive cricket following an injury lay-off. Johnson is currently working on his rehab after a back injury that dashed his hopes of participating in the BBL and T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Johnson, 30, was a part of Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous IPL season and played his last competitive game against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025 at the Eden Gardens on April 8. It was a game to forget for Johnson as he was taken to the cleaners by the LSG batters and leaked 46 runs in three overs at an alarming economy rate of 15.33.

The left-arm Aussie quick is yet to arrive in India, and it might take a week before he links up with the rest of the squad and is available for selection.

The five-time IPL champions are also sweating over the fitness of their former skipper MS Dhoni, who is undergoing rehab following a calf injury.