Big blow to CSK: Khalil Ahmed out of IPL 2026 due to injury, who will be his replacement, big update on Dhoni’s return

IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings has suffered a big setback in IPL 2026. The team’s fast bowler Khalil Ahmed has been ruled out of the entire tournament due to a serious injury to his right thigh. Khaleel had featured in all five matches played by CSK so far, but during the match against KKR on April 14, he felt pain in his right hip, after which tests confirmed a serious injury. Khaleel was one of the reliable bowlers for CSK at the beginning of the tournament. Although he took only two wickets in five matches, he was the second most economical bowler in the team with an economy rate of 8.67. His performance against KKR was considered to be his most impressive spell of the season and it seemed that he was getting back into form now.

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According to sources, Khalil has suffered a Grade-2 injury, which may take at least 10 to 12 weeks to recover. This left-arm pacer has played 11 ODI and 18 T20 matches for India and was last seen in the Team India jersey in July 2024.

When will Dhoni return?

According to media reports, former CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni can make a comeback at Wankhede against Mumbai Indians on April 23. Dhoni, 44, was out of action due to a calf strain during the pre-season camp, but is now said to be close to being fully fit.

Who is Khalil Ahmed’s replacement?

Read :- CSK got a big blow, Khaleel Ahmed out for the entire IPL season.

After Khalil’s exit, CSK management has many options regarding replacement. The team has a good pool of domestic and foreign players.

1. Mukesh Chaudhary

29-year-old Mukesh Chaudhary from Maharashtra has played for CSK before. In IPL 2022, he proved himself by taking 16 wickets in 13 matches. Although he did not get many opportunities in the last few seasons, his ability to take wickets with the new ball can be useful for the team.

2. Ramakrishna Ghosh

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Ramakrishna Ghosh, who is rapidly emerging in domestic cricket, is considered to be the strongest contender at this time. Along with bowling at speeds of 140+ km/hr, he also has the ability to play big shots lower down the order. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, he took 17 wickets in 7 matches, in which his best performance was 7 wickets for 42 runs against Himachal Pradesh.

3. Zachary Faulks

23 year old Kiwi bowler Zachary Foulkes can also be a strong option. He has experience of 68 T20 matches, in which he has taken 77 wickets. He has also taken 22 wickets in 22 T20s for New Zealand and his international level experience can strengthen CSK’s bowling attack.

This injury is definitely a big blow for CSK, but the team has no dearth of options. Apart from Zachary Faulks, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Mukesh Chaudhary, CSK also has strong foreign options like Spencer Johnson and Matt Henry in their camp. It remains to be seen which player the management trusts and who can fill the void of Khalil Ahmed.