Chennai Super Kings have suffered a fresh injury blow with fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed ruled out of the IPL after a quadriceps problem. Ahmed, who had featured in all five of CSK’s matches so far, felt pain in his right hip during their previous outing against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 14. An IPL source described the issue as a grade 2 tear, with recovery expected to require at least 10 to 12 weeks.
Khaleel Ahmed’s quadriceps injury sidelines him
The left-arm quick was part of CSK’s playing XI throughout the early phase of the tournament, but the right-hip discomfort he reported against KKR has now escalated into a quadriceps injury. With rehabilitation likely to take a significant stretch of time, CSK will need to reshuffle their bowling options in the weeks ahead.
Ahmed has also represented India at international level, having played 11 ODIs and 18 T20Is. His most recent appearance for the national side came in July 2024.
CSK’s campaign, meanwhile, is continuing to evolve as the franchise works through both performance and availability challenges.
Gaikwad on CSK’s gradual improvement after consecutive wins
Even with the squad in transition, CSK received a major boost on the field. Earlier in the week, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad said the team is “coming together slowly” after registering a second consecutive victory. CSK beat KKR by 32 runs in the match, moving up one place to eighth in the points table.
Gaikwad noted that roles and plans are becoming clearer as the tournament progresses, adding that CSK’s players are adapting to what the team needs in each phase of a game.
- Gaikwad said CSK are starting to “come together slowly” after the back-to-back wins.
- He stressed that players increasingly understand their responsibilities, including which overs to bowl and at what lengths.
- He added that the group is adjusting their approach based on team requirements.
- Gaikwad described the team’s upward curve as “a good sign” as they continue to get better.
CSK entered the contest after a strong 23-run win over Delhi Capitals, and they backed that effort with another assured performance against KKR.
CSK’s total, match dynamics and Gaikwad’s assessment
Discussing CSK’s batting and the challenge posed by the pitch, Gaikwad said the side had targeted a score in the region of 220. However, the final total of 192/5 was still deemed competitive, particularly after conditions shifted during the innings.
He explained that the wicket behaved differently after the first seven or eight overs, which affected how the ball came onto the bat and how batters could settle.
- CSK’s batting plan initially aimed for around 220, but the team ended on 192/5.
- Gaikwad felt the score was “par” given the wicket changed sharply after the opening spell.
- He said the surface began to spin and also play slower/stop more as the innings progressed.
- Gaikwad added that CSK revised their thinking to accept totals around 190 or 180.
- He said the bowling plan then focused on getting a strong power play.
Gaikwad summarised CSK’s defensive mindset by stressing that the match turned on how well they executed during the bowling power play, after adapting to the pitch’s altered behaviour.
Noor Ahmad’s spell breaks KKR’s chase
CSK’s success was heavily shaped by Noor Ahmad’s impact with the ball. The Afghan spinner produced figures of 4-0-21-3, taking wickets in quick succession to disrupt KKR’s chase and effectively break the rhythm of their batting.
Noor Ahmad also spoke about the conditions, pointing out the humidity and the presence of dew, which can make grip and control difficult for spinners.
- Noor Ahmad delivered a decisive spell of 4-0-21-3.
- He helped dismantle KKR’s chase with a flurry of wickets.
- Noor said keeping his fingers dry was key because conditions were hot and humid, with dew present.
- He added that the ball was not coming onto the bat as expected, and exploiting that helped him hit the right areas.
- Noor Ahmad said he will continue working to contribute in upcoming matches.
With Khaleel Ahmed now set to miss the IPL due to his injury, CSK will look to build depth and maintain momentum—while Gaikwad and his squad attempt to keep their “slowly, slowly” improvement on track after the win over KKR.
