CSK identify these TWO players as Khaleel Ahmed’s replacement for IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a massive blow amid their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign. Khaleel Ahmed was ruled out of the IPL 2026 with a grade 2 quadriceps injury.

In the game against Kolkata Knight Riders, he couldn’t complete his over and walked off the field with Gurjapneet Singh completing his over. He played a great role for CSK in the league and delivered great spells in powerplay, helping the team take quick wickets. 

Khaleel Ahmed took two wickets in IPL 2026 but the impact that he made was immense. His swing troubled batters big time and didn’t allow the batters to score runs quickly in the first six overs of the game.

"The injury sustained will take more than 12 weeks to heal," CSK said in a statement.

CSK identify Akash Madhwal and Rajvardhan Hangargekar as Khaleel Ahmed’s replacement for IPL 2026 

As per the reports in Cricbuzz, it is learned that CSK have identified two stars to replace Khaleel. Akash Madhwal attended the trials with the Chennai team and impressed many. He has been travelling with the team and was also seen with the side in Mumbai. 

The reports added that, CSK has also called Rajvardhan Hangargekar. The right-arm pacer will be there in Mumbai, where management will see him. He will be attending the trials there and would want to make an immediate impression.

While Madhwal has represented the Mumbai Indians in IPL and has impressed many. Hangargekar has played for CSK earlier as well. The two would be keen to get a contract and help the team make a comeback.

CSK are already without some of their key players in MS Dhoni and Nathan Ellis. Dhoni is expected to make a return soon. Ellis has been sidelined from the entire season while Spencer Johnson, his replacement, is also working his way back from injury and is yet to link up with CSK.