IPL 2026: CSK and RCB Secure New Players Following Injuries

In a significant development for IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have announced player replacements for their injured pacers. CSK has signed Kuldip Yadav, while RCB has brought in Richard Gleeson. This comes after Nuwan Thushara withdrew a lawsuit against Sri Lanka Cricket, allowing him to focus on his career. The article delves into the implications of these changes and the players' backgrounds, providing insights into their potential impact on the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 15, 2026, 17:26 IST

Player Replacements Announced by CSK and RCB

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have confirmed the signing of replacements for their injured pacers, Khaleel Ahmed and Nuwan Thushara, who will miss the remainder of the IPL 2026 season due to injuries, as stated in an official IPL announcement on Friday.

CSK Signs Kuldip Yadav

As the tournament approaches its final stages, CSK has acquired domestic medium-pacer Kuldip Yadav for ₹30 lakh to fill the gap left by Khaleel. The latter suffered a right quadricep injury during a match against KKR at Chepauk Stadium on April 16.

RCB Welcomes Richard Gleeson

In a strategic move to enhance their bowling lineup, RCB has signed English fast bowler Richard Gleeson for ₹1.6 crore as a replacement for Nuwan Thushara. This decision follows Thushara's withdrawal of a lawsuit against Sri Lanka Cricket, which he filed after being denied a no-objection certificate (NOC) to play in IPL 2026.

Thushara's Legal Dispute with Sri Lanka Cricket

Thushara informed the Colombo District Court of his decision to drop the case, citing that a significant portion of the tournament had already elapsed. Reports from ESPNcricinfo indicate that he also submitted a written apology to Sri Lanka Cricket, expressing his desire to resolve the matter amicably.

Previously, Thushara had contested the board's ruling, arguing that the stringent fitness-based NOC regulations were unjust and jeopardized his career. He had even hinted at retiring from international cricket during the legal proceedings, although his current position remains uncertain.

Official Statements and Player Profiles

"Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have selected player replacements for Khaleel Ahmed and Nuwan Thushara, who are sidelined due to injuries. Kuldip Yadav will join CSK for ₹30 lakh, while Richard Gleeson will join RCB for ₹1.6 crore," the IPL stated.

Kuldip Yadav made his IPL debut with the Rajasthan Royals in 2021. Despite limited experience, having played only three matches, CSK hopes to leverage his skills if he is included in the playing eleven.

Conversely, Gleeson has participated in six T20 internationals, claiming nine wickets. He played for CSK and the Mumbai Indians in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, appearing in two matches for CSK and one for MI.