Khaleel Ahmed and Nuwan Thushara Replacements Named By CSK Amid IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have announced Kuldip Yadav and Richard Gleeson as replacements for injured pacers Khaleel Ahmed and Nuwan Thushara for the remainder of IPL 2026.

Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have officially confirmed their replacement signings for the remainder of the IPL 2026 season as injuries and off-field complications forced changes to both squads ahead of the crucial final phase of the tournament.

Chennai Super Kings have signed domestic medium-pacer Kuldip Yadav for INR 30 lakh as a replacement for injured left-arm seamer Khaleel Ahmed. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have brought in experienced England pacer Richard Gleeson for INR 1.6 crore after Nuwan Thushara was ruled out.

Kuldip Yadav is not entirely new to the IPL setup. The Indian pacer made his debut for Rajasthan Royals during the 2021 season and has featured in three IPL matches so far. Though relatively inexperienced at the highest level, CSK management sees him as a useful pace-bowling option capable of adding depth to their attack during the closing stages of the tournament.

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Richard Gleeson Called In

On the other hand, Richard Gleeson arrives with far greater international and franchise exposure. The English fast bowler has represented England in six T20Is and has picked up nine wickets in international cricket. Gleeson also carries prior IPL experience, having represented both Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in the 2024 and 2025 editions. He featured in two games for CSK and one for Mumbai Indians during those campaigns.

Khaleel Ahmed’s injury came as a massive setback for Chennai Super Kings. The left-arm quick sustained a serious quadriceps injury during CSK’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at Chepauk on April 14. The injury occurred during a critical phase of the contest and eventually ruled him out for the rest of IPL 2026, with reports suggesting that the recovery process will require extensive rehabilitation.

Nuwan Thushara’s exit from the RCB squad, however, unfolded under dramatic circumstances away from the field.

The Sri Lankan pacer had earlier filed a legal case against Sri Lanka Cricket after being denied the mandatory No Objection Certificate required to participate in overseas franchise leagues. The board reportedly blocked his participation after he failed to clear newly introduced fitness benchmarks, including a compulsory 2-km run test.

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Although Thushara initially challenged the decision legally, his legal team later withdrew the case, citing little practical benefit with most of the IPL season already completed.