Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a huge setback just days before the IPL 2026 gets underway on March 28 in Bengaluru. In a big shock for the five-time champions, the Australian pacer Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the entire IPL 2026 because of injury.
Ellis was retained by CSK ahead of the IPL 2026 season, having snapped him up for a massive ₹2 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. The star pacer was expected to play a key role for the franchise in the death overs, but now they have to change their plans.
CSK in big trouble as Nathan Ellis ruled out of IPL 2026
It is being said that Ellis suffered the hamstring injury during training. The Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed on Thursday, March 19, that Ellis has been ruled out of the upcoming IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury.
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Viswanathan was quoted as saying by Sportstar during an event to announce Kauvery Hospitals as an official partner of the team: “It is a big blow for us. Ellis is a crucial bowler, especially in the death overs. We are looking at replacements.”
Nathan Ellis’ injury adds to CSK’s pace woes
The Chennai Super Kings will really feel the absence of Ellis, especially after parting ways with the Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana. The Australian star’s ability to execute slower balls and accurate yorkers was seen as the major threat for the opposition by the franchise.
Ellis has so far played 17 matches in the IPL and scalped 19 wickets at an average of 28.74 and an economy rate of 8.67. Speaking about his CSK debut, the fast bowler played only one match and took only one wicket. He spent four IPL seasons at the Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Overseas stars started joining CSK camp
Meanwhile, CSK’s preparations for the upcoming season are going in full swing in Chennai. The overseas players are expected to join the squad over the next few days despite recent travel disruptions in West Asia due to the war between Iran and the USA-Israel.
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Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad has already landed in Chennai, while England’s Jamie Overton is expected to reach the city on Thursday night. South African sensation Dewald Brevis, along with Matt Henry, Zack Foulkes, and Matthew Short, will join the camp by March 22.
Caribbean all-rounder Akeal Hosein is slated to arrive on March 25. Adding to the excitement, India’s T20 World Cup 2026 hero Sanju Samson reached Chennai on Thursday.
Preparations on full swing for RR vs CSK clash
On the other hand, the Chennai Super Kings players, including MS Dhoni, have been training in Chennai’s High-Performance Centre as well as at the MAC Stadium since March 1. It is being said that the franchise could arrange an intra-squad game on March 23.
The franchise are all set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against the Rajasthan Royals on March 30 in Guwahati. It will be an interesting clash as the Royals will be against Samson while Ravindra Jadeja will be up in action against CSK in Guwahati after a high-profile trade deal.