Ottneil Baartman’s saga is likely to stretch for a few more chapters as the South African pacer is reportedly linked with an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise. If the rumours and speculations are proved true, then the emerging South African pacer can join the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the IPL 2026 season.
The Protea pacer was about to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), but withdrew suddenly, citing personal issues. The seamer chose PSL first, ignoring the IPL 2026 mini auction. He did not register himself for the players’ auction of the IPL.
Why was Ellis ruled out of IPL 2026?
During the lead-up to the 2026 IPL, franchises faced challenges because of multiple injuries. CSK has high expectations for the Australian pacer Nathan Ellis. Ellis could be crucial for the team, especially during the death overs.
Your daily dose of cricket!
He was ruled out of the tournament because of a hamstring injury. He aggravated an old injury during the domestic One-Day Cup final on March 11, requiring three months of rehabilitation, forcing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to look for a replacement, according to media reports.
Ottneil Baartman climbed up the ranks with back-to-back fantastic spells
On the other side, Ottneil Baartman, a 33-year-old pacer from West. Cape, who recently surged to international cricket, is known for well-controlled bowling spells. If CSK signs him as the replacement for Ellis, then Baartman will get the opportunity to make his IPL debut.
Ottneil Baartman had a fantastic SA20 2025-26 season with the Paarl Royals, taking 20 wickets in 9 matches for an economy rate of 9.13. His ability to take wickets in crucial moments, makes him more lethal in the Twenty20 format.
Ottneil Baartman last featured for the South Africa national cricket team on March 22, 2026, against New Zealand in a T20I match in Wellington, where he claimed a couple of wickets for 30.
Australia pacer Spencer Johnson also has a chance to join CSK as the replacement of Nathan Ellis
Spencer Johnson is also reportedly linked with the Chennai Super Kings as a potential replacement for injured Nathan Ellis. Unlike Ottneil Baartman, Spencer Johnson had an interest in the players’ auction, but went unsold, failing to attract any interest from the teams. The Australian bowler, who can deliver with immense pace, has experience in playing IPL, though that did not justify his talents.
In the previous season, he played for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In 4 IPL 2025 matches, they claimed only 1 wicket, and that too for an economy rate of 11.73, which was very expensive, and the team had no desire to retain him for another season.
Before joining KKR, Spencer Johnson played for the Gujarat Titans in the 2024 season, where he took 4 in 5 matches. If the reports are to be believed, then between Baartman and Johnson, one can join the 5-time IPL winners ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League.
Read More: PBKS spinner calls Virat Kohli his idol, makes bold dismissal claim ahead of IPL 2026