Chennai: Chennai Super Kings have been dealt a major blow just as they attempted to revive their campaign, with key pacer Khaleel Ahmed ruled out of the remainder of the IPL season due to injury.
The left-arm fast bowler has suffered a muscle tear in his right thigh, an injury expected to sideline him for more than 10–12 weeks. With nine league matches still to play, his absence significantly weakens Chennai’s bowling unit, especially given his effectiveness with the new ball and in death overs. Khaleel, who was signed for ₹4.8 crore ahead of the 2025 season, had featured in all five matches so far.
The injury occurred during Chennai’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at Chepauk, where Khaleel pulled up in pain after delivering the first ball of his final over and was forced to leave the field. The over was completed by Gurjapneet Singh, highlighting the sudden disruption to the team’s plans mid-game.
Chennai’s troubles are compounded by ongoing fitness concerns within the squad. Veteran MS Dhoni has yet to play this season due to a muscle strain, but is now back in training and could return for the crucial fixture against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede on April 23. Earlier, pacer Nathan Ellis was also ruled out before the tournament began.
In response to Khaleel’s absence, Mukesh Choudhary is expected to be drafted in as a replacement. The squad also includes options like Zakary Foulkes and Spencer Johnson, though any move to introduce another overseas player would force Chennai to reshuffle their lineup, potentially sidelining one among Dewald Brevis, Noor Ahmad, Akeal Hosein, or Jamie Overton.
With injuries mounting and key players missing, Chennai now faces a testing phase in the tournament despite their recent return to winning ways.