Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have officially confirmed mid-season replacement signings for the remainder of IPL 2026 as both franchises attempt to strengthen their pace attacks ahead of the tournament’s crucial final phase. The two teams were forced into changes after losing frontline fast bowlers under completely different circumstances.
Chennai Super Kings suffered a major injury setback with Khaleel Ahmed ruled out for the season, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru had to deal with the unexpected exit of Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara following a legal dispute involving Sri Lanka Cricket. To fill the void left by Khaleel, Chennai Super Kings signed domestic pacer Kuldip Yadav for ₹30 lakh. The medium-pacer previously represented Rajasthan Royals and made his IPL debut during the 2021 season.
Although Kuldip has limited IPL experience, having featured in only three matches so far, CSK management believes his ability to swing the ball and provide depth to the bowling unit could prove useful during the business end of the competition.
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Khaleel’s injury came during Chennai’s high-intensity clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at Chepauk on April 14. The left-arm seamer suffered a serious quadriceps injury during a crucial stage of the match, forcing him out of the remainder of IPL 2026. The setback was a significant blow for Chennai, considering Khaleel had become one of the side’s most reliable new-ball bowlers this season.
🚨 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗚𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗱, 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱 🚨
The English Speedster joins the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the remainder of the #TATAIPL 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ season, replacing Nuwan Thushara. ⚡❤️
Welcome, Richard! Time to wear the badge and #PlayBold. ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/VMmrNOm8mL
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 15, 2026
Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have strengthened their squad by signing experienced England pacer Richard Gleeson for Rs 1.6 crore. Unlike Kuldip, Gleeson arrives with considerable international and franchise cricket experience.
The English fast bowler has represented England in six T20 Internationals and picked up nine wickets. He is also familiar with IPL conditions, having previously played for both Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
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RCB’s need for a replacement emerged after Thushara withdrew his legal case against Sri Lanka Cricket, effectively ending his hopes of participating in IPL 2026. The Sri Lankan pacer had earlier taken the national board to the Colombo District Court after being denied the mandatory No Objection Certificate required to play in overseas franchise leagues.
Official Announcement
Kuldip Yadav is Yellove!
A new warrior joins the pride! 💛🦁Note: Kuldip Yadav replaces Khaleel Ahmed, who was ruled out due to injury.#WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/XCe6esUKKe
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 15, 2026
Sri Lanka Cricket reportedly blocked Thushara’s participation after he failed to meet newly introduced fitness requirements, including a compulsory 2-kilometre running test. Thushara initially argued the decision unfairly affected his career and his Rs 1.60 crore IPL contract with RCB.
However, with the IPL season nearing its conclusion, Thushara’s legal representatives informed the court that continuing the case would no longer provide any practical benefit, bringing an end to one of the season’s most unusual off-field disputes.
