R Ashwin has backed Umesh Yadav as a potential replacement for Khaleel Ahmed in the ongoing season of IPL 2026. Left-arm paceman Khaleel has been ruled out following a serious injury sustained during CSK’s match against KKR on April 14. Khaleel took two wickets in five matches for CSK in IPL 2026 and played well in the powerplay against Kolkata.
Khaleel suffered a serious quadriceps injurywhich will keep him sidelined for longer, sources told India Today on April 16. Medical evaluation revealed a grade 2 tear, classified as a high-grade partial tear, along with a stretch injury to the right rectus femoris tendon and a complete tear of the rectus head.
Due to the severity of the injury, Khaleel is expected to undergo a long rehabilitation process, with recovery expected to take around 10 to 12 weeks. As a result, CSK are looking for a replacement who can play the power play effectively.
Ashwin expressed his support for Umesh Yadav through a tweet and highlighted Umesh’s performance with KKR in the 2022 season where he took 16 wickets at an average of 21.08 and an economy rate of 7.06. “Retweet if you want the man who picked up 16 wickets in 21 and an economy of 7 for KKR in 2022 as a solid replacement for the experienced new bowler,” Ashwin’s tweet read. Credit: R Ashwin X
Umesh Yadav’s IPL numbers
Umesh Yadav played 14 seasons in the IPL, taking 148 matches and 144 wickets. However, he last participated in the tournament in 2024 and has since taken on commentary duties for the current season. Despite his struggles with injuries, Umesh has consistently been the pick of the wicket for the teams he has represented in the IPL.
Recently, Umesh shared a video of himself bowling in the nets, demonstrating his readiness and fitness to play if required. in 2025 Umesh revealed that he is still eager to return to the Indian team.
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Published on:
16 Apr 2026 18:09 IST
