Just when it looked like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had turned a page this season with two wins on the bounce, the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champion suffered a huge blow after Khaleel Ahmed was ruled out of the competition due to a right quadricep injury.
The left-arm pacer limped off before completing the final delivery of his spell in the game against Kolkata Knight Riders here on Tuesday.
CSK already lost one of its lead pacers, Nathan Ellis, ahead of the season. Khaleel’s absence would mean another rejig of the combination at a time when it looked like it had found the right line-up. In Mukesh Choudhary, the Super Kings have a left-arm pacer in the dugout, but are also scouting for possible reinforcements.
Spencer Johnson, Ellis’ replacement, is awaiting the final NOC from Cricket Australia and could join the squad on April 18 or 19. It would mean Johnson, who hasn’t played since last April due to a back injury, will be available for selection for the game against the Mumbai Indians on April 23.
Meanwhile, former skipper M.S. Dhoni travelled to Hyderabad for the contest against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, but his chances of playing appear remote. Dhoni did not travel for the away fixtures against Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Published on Apr 16, 2026