Khaleel Ahmed likely to be ruled out of IPL 2026

Khaleel pulled up in his run-up during CSK's previous game against KKR

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) left-arm seamer Khaleel Ahmed is likely to be ruled out of rest of IPL 2026 with injury.

Khaleel had pulled up in his run-up during CSK's previous game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai on April 14 and left the field, five balls into his final over. Rookie Gurjapneet Singh completed the over and might have to shoulder more responsibility in Khaleel's potential absence.

Khaleel's injury further depletes a CSK side that is already without MS Dhoni and Nathan Ellis. Dhoni is working his way back from a calf injury, with his recovery stretching beyond two weeks. On March 28, the opening day of the season, CSK said in a statement that he's "likely to miss the first two weeks" and that he will undergo rehab. While Dhoni has been training with his team-mates, he has only been facing throwdowns and is yet to hit full tilt.RelatedDhoni hits Chepauk nets but his recovery continues to stretch

Ellis has been sidelined from the entire season while Spencer Johnson, his replacement, is also working his way back from injury and is yet to link up with CSK.

Mahatrashtra seamers Mukesh Choudhary and Ramakrishna Ghosh are among the options to slot in for Khaleel. While left-armer Choudhary could be a like-for-like replacement, Ghosh is a right-arm quick who can also contribute with the bat.

Ghosh emerged as Maharashtra's breakout player during the 2025-26 domestic season. In the 50-overs Vijay Hazare Trophy, Ghosh claimed 7 for 42 against Himachal Pradesh in Jaipur, the best figures for Maharashtra in an innings in List A cricket. In the same tournament, Ghosh cracked an unbeaten 64 off 27 balls against Mumbai.

CSK have two wins from five games so far and will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on Saturday.