Khaleel Ahmed replacement in IPL 2026 (Source: AFP)
The five-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings, have been marred by another injury blow in the ongoing IPL 2026. After the injury scares to MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis, in a significant blow, pace bowler Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out of the remainder of the season due to a quadriceps injury.
Khaleel had been a useful asset for the Yellow army over the years. Featuring in 16 games across three seasons, the left-arm pacer has picked up 17 wickets. Thus, his absence leaves a gap in the bowling department for the CSK, who have, anyway, had a troubled season so far.
However, in a significant development, the name of a former Mumbai Indians player has emerged as the top contender for the spot. The bowler has also been seen practising with the Chennai Super Kings players.
Major development on Khaleel Ahmed's replacement for remainder of IPL 2026
The former Mumbai Indians pacer Akash Madhwal was spotted practising with the CSK squad, and later an image emerged of him donning the franchise’s yellow practice jersey.
Also read: MS Dhoni Ruled Out Further For CSK In IPL 2026, New Timeline Given
The timing of the development is worth noting, as only a day ago, Madhwal was with the Mumbai Indians as a net bowler. But on Friday, an X (previously Twitter) profile, namely ‘WorshipDhoni’, shared an image of Akash Madhwal in CSK colours ahead of their next IPL 2026 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Take a look at the post here:
On top of that, another post by Vijay Tagore claims Madhwal’s inclusion in the Chennai squad. It also emphasised that the franchise will first assess other options before confirming Madhwal as Khaleel Ahmed’s replacement.
“Akash Madhwal was seen with CSK players in Hyderabad today. Team CEO clarified that he is bowling at the nets and a few other bowlers will be tried before they decide on the replacement for Khaleel Ahmed,” the post read.
A look at Akash Madhwal’s IPL stats and journey
Uttarakhand's Akash started his journey as a net bowler for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2021. However, his breakthrough moment came in the 2022 season, when MI signed him as a replacement for the injured Suryakumar Yadav.
He bagged 14 wickets in eight matches in IPL 2023. The highlight of that run was a match-winning, record haul of 5 for 5 in the Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants.
The following season, he played five matches for MI, but managed only five wickets at an average of 41. MI released him ahead of the auction for the 2025 season, where Madhwal was bought by Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.2 crore.
Another contender for the spot: Kumar Kartikeya
Apart from Madhwal, another name is emerging as CSK looks for the best possible replacement for Khaleel Ahmed. Kumar Kartikeya is currently with the franchise as a net bowler. It has been speculated that he could potentially be considered as a replacement for the injured Khaleel Ahmed for IPL 2026.
It is worth noting that, when the Australian fast-bowler Spencer Johnson finally joins the team, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK could bring him into the playing XI in place of Akeal Hosein, and Kartikeya might fill Khaleel’s spot in the squad balance.
However, this could only be the case if the CSK management looks to change their bowling combination for the long term, rather than seeking a like-for-like pace replacement.
Also read: Lalit Modi Slams The Hundred With IPL Comparison And ‘Rulebook’ Bashing
.jpg?type=mq "GT vs KKR Toss")
