Just when the Chennai Super Kings seemingly found their momentum and announced arrival in the season, they had to deal with another setback. The five-time champions, who defeated the Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous game, lost their star bowler Khaleel Ahmed to a quadriceps injury. Ahmed has now been ruled out of the remainder of the IPL 2026 season. The left-arm pacer has had early breakthroughs this season, and it goes without saying that it comes as a major blow for the Yellow Army, who are still without their former skipper, MS Dhoni.
Per reports, the 28-year-old suffered the injury during a crucial phase during the KKR clash at Chepauk. Ahmed was running in to deliver the final ball of the 17th over against KKR and felt discomfort in right thigh. He then stopped midway and sought medical attention. However, the star pacer had to walk off the field and the over was completed by Gurjapneet Singh.
Sources suggest that Ahmed suffered a quad injury that would require him to be on the sidelines for a long period.
What happened to Khaleel Ahmed?
If reports are to be believed, Ahmed’s medical reports have confirmed that he has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 tear. It is a high-grade partial tear with a stretch injury of the right rectus femoris tendon. Not only this, but there is also a complete tear of the direct head of the muscle. Considering the severity of the injury, Ahmed could be in rehabilitation for almost 10 to 12 weeks. It suggests that Ahmed can no longer participate in the remainder of the IPL 2026. 
The Rajasthan cricketer has been a critical part of the CSK camp, having featured in all of their games this season, having picked two wickets thus far. However, the five-time IPL winners are yet to release a statement around the same.
