Khaleel setback adds to CSK's mounting injury troubles

Chennai Super Kings fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026, with franchise CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirming the development to Cricbuzz. The 28-year-old left-arm seamer pulled up late in CSK's recent win over Kolkata Knight Riders, clutching his quads and visibly in discomfort. He was unable to complete the final ball of what would have been his four-over spell, with Gurjapneet Singh stepping in to finish the 17th over of KKR's chase.

The injury has since been assessed as serious enough to end Khaleel's season, further deepening the five-time champions' growing injury concerns. CSK had already lost Nathan Ellis, while his replacement, Spencer Johnson, is yet to join the squad due to his own injury. Viswanathan said that a decision on Khaleel's replacement will be taken in consultation with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and head coach Stephen Fleming.

There are also concerns on another front. CSK have been without MS Dhoni, who has been nursing a calf strain since before the season started. Although he has resumed light batting sessions in the nets, the 44-year-old is still not match-fit and remains unlikely to feature in Saturday's (April 18) fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad even though the talisman has travelled with the squad to Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, Viswanathan also confirmed that CSK have lodged an official complaint with the BCCI over remarks made by the DJ at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during their clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 5.

The comments were perceived as provocative and aimed at inciting the crowd. The BCCI is understood to have taken up the matter with RCB.