With just days remaining for IPL 2026, another major player ruled out of IPL 2026 this time CSK have been dealt a major blow, as Australian pacer Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the tournament.
CSK now face an early challenge at the start of the season. The right-arm pacer has been a key figure in T20 cricket for Australia, known for his ability to bowl effectively with variations and handle high-pressure situations. His slower deliveries, in particular, make him difficult for batters face difficulty to face him especially in death overs, Nathan Ellis has proven his value as a reliable T20 specialist. He joined CSK last year and also played IPL for Punjab Kings.
In the IPL, he has featured in 17 matches, picking up 19 wickets, with best figures of 4/30. He maintains a bowling average of 28.74, a strike rate of 19.89, and an economy rate of 8.67, including one four-wicket haul. Ellis also impressed in the T20 World Cup 2026, claiming eight wickets in four matches, with a best of 4/12. His absence will be a major setback, forcing the team to rethink their bowling combinations.
Probable XI:Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma (wk), Prashant Veer, MS Dhoni, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matt Henry
Impact Player: Akel Hussain / Rahul Chahar
They have to look for someone who is as good as Ellis in death majorly ,CSK CEO has confirmed that the team is looking for a replacement for Nathan Ellis in IPL 2026.
CSK squad – MS Dhoni (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (traded in from RR), Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Urvil Patel, Noor Ahmad, Shreyas Gopal, Khaleel Ahmed, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Mukesh Choudhary, Jamie Overton, Gurjapneet Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Akeal Hosein, Prashant Veer, Kartik Sharma (wk), Matthew Short, Aman Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Matt Henry, Rahul Chahar, Zak Foulkes.