Another Blow To Chennai Super Kings! Pacer Ruled Out Of IPL Due To Quadriceps Injury

Just when their campaign seemed to have gained some momentum, Chennai Super Kings have suffered an injury blow as their left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has reportedly been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026. Khaleel, who has appeared in all five games for CSK this season so far, complained of pain in his right hip during the team’s impressive win over Kolkata Knight Riders earlier this week.

According to PTI, Khaleel has quadriceps injury, which will take 10-12 weeks to fully heal. “It is a grade 2 tear and the rehab will take at least 10-12 weeks,” the agency quoted a source as claiming.

The left-arm pacer has taken two wickets at an economy of 8.67.

How Will Khaleel Ahmed’s Absence Impact CSK?

The 28-year-old Khaleel has an experience of 76 IPL matches in which he has taken 91 wickets

at an economy of 8.95. In the last two IPL seasons, he has shown impressive progress both in terms of his wicket-taking ability and fitness – he picked up 32 wickets in 28 games spread across 2024 and 2025.

His experience will be missed, but CSK have a replacement in Mukesh Choudhary, who is yet to get a game this season. A left-arm pacer, Choudhary has taken 17 wickets in 16 matches of his IPL career.

CSK’s Winning Momentum

The five-time champions began their season with a hat-trick of defeats to Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, they bounced back with successive wins over Delhi Capitals and KKR.

Currently, they are eighth on the IPL 2026 points table and next face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18.

When Will MS Dhoni Return?

CSK have been without their former captain and wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni, who has been nursing a calf strain that he picked up during a pre-season training camp. While Dhoni has been part of their practice sessions, he has so far not travelled with the squad and instead, watching their games from the team hotel.

The 44-year-old is also said to be facing no discomfort while batting in the nets, but it’s not a given if he will be part of their next fixture against SRH.

According to The Indian Express, Dhoni may become available for their marquee clash with Mumbai Indians slated for April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium.