With Khaleel Ahmed ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 due to a quadriceps injury sustained against KKR, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are looking for a reliable replacement to bolster their pace attack. Based on current availability and fit, here are three players who could replace him:
1. Mukesh Choudhary
He is considered the most straightforward "like-for-like" replacement for Khaleel.
Role: Left-arm fast-medium bowler.
CSK History: He was one of CSK's best performers in IPL 2022, taking 16 wickets in 13 matches.
Impact: His ability to swing the ball early in the powerplay makes him a natural fit for Khaleel's opening-over duties.
2. Akash Madhwal
Availability: He went unsold in the IPL 2026 auction. He is currently serving as a support/net bowler for Mumbai Indians (MI), which means he is technically available to be signed as a replacement by another franchise.
The Skill: He is a renowned death-overs specialist. Unlike Khaleel or Mukesh Choudhary, who thrive in the powerplay, Madhwal is famous for his ability to bowl accurate yorkers and skidding deliveries at the back end of an innings.
CSK Fit: Signing Madhwal would allow CSK to use Pathirana or Mustafizur (if available) more flexibly in the middle overs, knowing they have a reliable domestic death bowler.
Akash Madhwal might be a good replacement for Khaleel, has experience in IPL, will reduce the pressure of Kamboj in end overs - good player to have in the mix. 🤞 pic.twitter.com/g3KOljhFnf
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 16, 2026
3. Ramakrishna Ghosh
A domestic talent who has been gaining traction and could be a surprise selection in the XI.
Pace: He can consistently clock 140+ kph and offers additional value with his hard-hitting batting lower down the order.
Recent Performance: He excelled in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, taking 17 wickets in 7 matches under the captaincy of Ruturaj Gaikwad.
With Khaleel out, the captaincy of the pace unit likely shifts to Anshul Kamboj. However, because Kamboj is a right-armer, CSK might still bring in Mukesh Choudhary or Gurjapneet Singh to maintain that crucial left-arm variation in the powerplay.
