Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have confirmed an injury substitute for Khaleel Ahmed, with the left-arm fast bowler ruled out of the IPL 2026 campaign after suffering a right quadriceps injury. The setback was sustained during CSK’s bowling phase against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, when Khaleel was seen clutching his right leg in obvious discomfort before eventually walking off the field. Khaleel was later ruled out of the tournament on April 16, and just over a month afterward, CSK have named his replacement.
Khaleel Ahmed’s injury and CSK’s replacement
- Khaleel Ahmed picked up the injury during CSK’s bowling innings versus KKR at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
- He was spotted holding his right leg in pain and then left the field during the match.
- He was ruled out of the IPL 2026 tournament on April 16.
- CSK announced the injury replacement on Friday, bringing in India pacer Kuldip Yadav for INR 30 lakh.
- CSK completed the signing within hours of their key IPL 2026 fixture against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana on Friday, May 15.
Kuldip Yadav, who now joins CSK as Khaleel’s replacement, had previously made his IPL debut for the Rajasthan Royals in 2021. He played three matches for the Royals in that season. CSK’s move arrives at a critical stage of the tournament, with the franchise seeking to strengthen its squad for the encounter against LSG in Lucknow.
RCB’s replacement for Nuwan Thushara
CSK’s squad update was not the only one on Friday. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have also named a replacement for Sri Lanka pacer Nuwan Thushara, after the fast bowler did not feature in a single IPL 2026 match for the defending champions. The reason was that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) did not grant him an NOC, leaving RCB to look for cover.
RCB have brought in Richard Gleeson for INR 1.6 crore. The English speedster has appeared in six T20I matches for his country and has taken 9 wickets. Gleeson has also been part of IPL squads in recent seasons, representing CSK and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2024 and 2025 editions—appearing in two games for CSK and one for MI.
Rachin Ravindra returns for Tests
Meanwhile, KKR’s media team confirmed on Friday afternoon that batting all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has flown back home to prepare for an upcoming three-match Test series between England and New Zealand. In their update, KKR said Ravindra has returned to begin his red-ball preparations for New Zealand’s Test tour of England.
IPL 2026 top-four race heats up
As the IPL 2026 season intensifies, the race for the top four has taken on added significance following Punjab Kings’ run of defeats in five straight matches. CSK can move into the top four on Friday if they secure a win over Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana.
In the current standings, RCB lead the table with 16 points from 12 matches, with Gujarat Titans sitting close behind on the same points total.
