Khaleel picked up the injury during CSK’s recent clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. Defending 192 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, he had a strong outing and even claimed the key wicket of Sunil Narine early in the innings. However, during the final ball of his spell, he stopped mid run-up in visible discomfort and was unable to continue bowling, forcing him off the field.
Reports suggest the 28-year-old has suffered a grade 2 tear and is expected to be sidelined for 10–12 weeks, effectively ending his IPL 2026 campaign. CSK now have nine league matches remaining and are expected to explore replacement options.
Khaleel was in his second season with CSK and had been a key part of their pace attack. In IPL 2025, he took 15 wickets, finishing as the franchise’s second-highest wicket-taker. This season, before his injury, he managed two wickets in five matches with an economy rate of 8.67.
Despite his absence, CSK went on to defeat KKR by 32 runs, thanks to a brilliant spell from Noor Ahmad, who picked up 3 for 21.
After a slow start to the season, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side have now registered back-to-back wins at Chepauk, having also defeated the Delhi Capitals and KKR, boosting their campaign momentum in IPL 2026.
