![Khaleel Ahmed [Source: AP Photos]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776864388185_KhaleelAhmed.jpg?type=hq)
Khaleel Ahmed [Source: AP Photos]
The CSK franchise, plagued with injuries and availability concerns, is set to take on Mumbai Indians in match number 33 of the IPL 2026 season. Premier fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed will miss the match considering he has been ruled out of the tournament owing to an injury.
With question marks also looming over the availability of vintage wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni, the CSK management recently made a huge announcement regarding an update in the team’s playing XI.
CSK confirms Khaleel Ahmed’s replacement
CSK bowling coach Eric Simmons has confirmed the replacement of injured Khaleel Ahmed for the match against Mumbai Indians on Thursday, April 23. The coach stated that Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson, who himself was recovering from his injury not long ago, will be included in the CSK playing XI at the Wankhede Stadium.
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While speaking with the reporters in Mumbai, Simmons praised Khaleel Ahmed for his experience as well as fellow paceman Anshul Kamboj for his wicket-taking spree this IPL 2026 season.
The CSK bowling coach said “Khaleel Ahmed & Anshul Kamboj have been really good for us. Spencer Johnson (Khaleel's replacement), will be in our starting XI tomorrow night.”
Khaleel Ahmed ruled out amid injury and form concerns
Khaleel Ahmed, a veteran of 76 IPL games, played each of CSK’s first five matches of the IPL 2026 season. In five innings, the cricketer managed to scalp just two wickets at an expensive bowling average of 73 and a dismal economy rate of 8.67.
In the match against the KKR last week in Chennai, the 28-year-old failed to complete his quota of four overs as he walked off the field with just a ball to spare. Eventually concluding with match-winning figures of 1-24 in his 3.5 overs, Ahmed was ruled out of the tournament a couple of days later owing to a Grade 2 quadriceps tear.
Spencer Johnson all set for maiden CSK gig
Spencer Johnson, who was signed up by the Quetta Gladiators, left the PSL 2026 season in Pakistan to join the CSK franchise in India. The Australian speedster joined the ‘Yellow Brigade’ as a replacement for injured Nathan Ellis.
However, as per earlier reports, Johnson could only link up with the squad around April 21 to April 23. It turns out that the reports were correct in their assessment as the CSK bowling coach has confirmed about Spencer Johnson’s availability for the April 23 match against the Mumbai Indians.
He has previously played nine IPL games in his career, including four for the KKR franchise last year in the 2025 edition of the tournament.
CSK desperate to reverse fortunes, MS Dhoni still MIA
The CSK franchise started off the IPL 2026 season with three straight defeats. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side eventually gained some momentum with wins over Delhi Capitals and KKR.
However, CSK’s winning drive was once again struck down by the KKR on April 18 in Chennai. With two wins and four defeats from six matches, the franchise is currently ranked eighth on the IPL 2026 points table.
With no confirmation around the return of senior pro MS Dhoni, the upcoming clash against Mumbai Indians on Thursday, April 23 shapes up as a must-win encounter for CSK.
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