Kamal Ghorui
Khaleel Ahmed and Nuwan Thushara (Image: X/ IPL)
Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have announced replacement signings ahead of the business end of IPL 2026 after injury setbacks to key pacers.CSK, currently fighting for a playoff spot and placed in the middle of the points table, have signed medium pacer Kuldip Yadav for INR 30 lakh as a replacement for injured left-arm seamer Khaleel Ahmed, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Kuldip previously made his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals in 2021 and has featured in three IPL matches overall.Meanwhile, table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru have roped in English fast bowler Richard Gleeson for INR 1.6 crore as a replacement for injured Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara. Gleeson has represented England in six T20Is, picking up nine wickets, and already has IPL experience after featuring for CSK and Mumbai Indians during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
IPL 2026 performances CSK and RCB
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lead the IPL 2026 points table with 16 points, while the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) sit in 5th place with 12 points as the tournament nears the business end. While RCB has already positioned themselves on the brink of playoff qualification, CSK is locked in a tight mid-table battle to secure a spot in the top four.CSK’s campaign has been a story of resurgence. After a rocky start that included early losses to Punjab, Rajasthan, and RCB, they mounted a strong comeback in the second half of the group stage. With three league games remaining, CSK controls their own destiny. Victories in their upcoming fixtures will guarantee them a playoff berth.
