The Chennai Super Kings have faced a setback ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, which is scheduled to begin on Saturday, March 28. Australian pacer Nathan Ellis will miss the upcoming tournament after suffering a severe hamstring injury during the Australian One-Day Cup final in Hobart.
The Super Kings retained Nathan Ellis for ₹2 crore before the recent auction. Notably, the franchise released Matheesha Pathirana and now need reliable death-bowling options. While CSK have signed Matt Henry and Zak Foulkes, they must secure an overseas replacement before facing Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Ellis featured in just one match for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025. He registered bowling figures of 1 for 38 against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Chepauk. Overall, the 31-year-old has played 17 IPL matches, picking up 19 wickets at an average of 28.73 and an economy rate of 8.66, with best figures of 4 for 30.
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3 Players Who Could Replace Nathan Ellis for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026
Ottniel Baartman
South African fast bowler Ottniel Baartman is a like-for-like replacement for Nathan Ellis. He is regarded as one of the best death bowlers in South Africa and previously helped Sunrisers Eastern Cape secure back-to-back SA20 titles in 2023 and 2024.
Notably, the pacer went unsold during the Indian Premier League auction. However, Baartman has ties with the franchise management, as he represents the Texas Super Kings, the sister franchise of Chennai Super Kings.
The Proteas cricketer recently signed with the Hyderabad Kingsmen for the Pakistan Super League (PSL). However, a lucrative offer from the Indian tournament could force him to withdraw from the PSL and join the IPL.
Sean Abbott
Sean Abbott is another option for Chennai Super Kings. The franchise traditionally prefers signing experienced fast bowlers. Abbott currently holds the all-time wicket-taking record in Big Bash League history, taking 165 scalps.
His proven consistency in high-pressure situations makes him an ideal candidate for franchise cricket. During the recent Big Bash League season, Sean Abbott picked up 11 wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 7.26.
He arrives with excellent match rhythm, having consistently played domestic cricket for New South Wales. His accuracy in the death overs perfectly mirrors the specific role Nathan Ellis leaves vacant.
Gerald Coetzee
South African speedster Gerald Coetzee is also one of the options for Chennai Super Kings. The 25-year-old fast bowler has experience of playing in the Indian Premier League.
Coetzee has represented Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans in the tournament. He also holds a current contract with Joburg Super Kings in the SA20.
Injuries remain a persistent concern regarding Gerald Coetzee. He missed the T20 World Cup 2026 and played only three matches during the recent SA20 season.
However, he showed good form during the recent bilateral series against the New Zealand national cricket team, picking up three wickets in the first two matches.
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