Kamal Ghorui
Chennai Super Kings have suffered a significant setback ahead of IPL 2026, with Australian pacer Nathan Ellis ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.The 31-year-old fast bowler was last seen in action for Tasmania during the Australian One-Day Cup final in Hobart, where he returned figures of 2/26 from five overs in a losing cause against New South Wales. While the exact moment of his injury remains unclear, Ellis had earlier been dealing with a hamstring issue that forced him to miss the knockout stage of the Big Bash League, where he captained the Hobart Hurricanes.Ellis was expected to play a crucial role for CSK as their primary death bowler and was set to be their specialist in that phase, especially after the franchise parted ways with Matheesha Pathirana before the auction. His absence now leaves a major void, forcing the team management to explore alternatives.Here are five players who could step in as replacements for Ellis:Ottneil Baartman (South Africa)Perhaps the closest like-for-like replacement, Baartman has earned high praise, with South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj calling him the best death bowler in the country. He played a key role in Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s back-to-back SA20 title wins in 2023 and 2024 and also contributed to South Africa’s run to the T20 World Cup final in 2024. Having gone unsold at the IPL 2026 auction and with prior links to Texas Super Kings, he represents a seamless fit for CSK.Sean Abbott (Australia)A proven performer in T20 cricket, Abbott aligns well with CSK’s preference for experienced Australian quicks. He holds the record for most wickets in BBL history with 165 scalps, underlining his consistency, especially in pressure situations. His accuracy and experience at the death make him a strong candidate to fill Ellis’ role.Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)Coetzee offers a high-impact but slightly risky option. He was South Africa’s leading performer at the 2023 ODI World Cup, registering the most wickets by a South African in a single edition. Known for his pace and ability to move the ball, he can be effective both upfront and in the death overs. However, injuries remain a concern, as he missed the T20 World Cup 2026 and played only three matches in SA20 2026. If fit, he could be a match-winning addition. He also has IPL experience, having played for the Mumbai Indians.Shamar Joseph (West Indies)Joseph brings an element of unpredictability but also immense potential. He made headlines with his 7/68 in Brisbane, helping West Indies secure a historic win over Australia after 27 years. While primarily known for his red-ball exploits, his raw pace and skiddy action could translate well into T20 cricket. Unsold at the IPL 2026 auction after being released by Lucknow Super Giants, he remains an intriguing option.Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan)The left-arm pacer has prior IPL experience with Rajasthan Royals and continues to be a regular in Afghanistan’s T20 setup. Though he has taken six wickets in 12 IPL matches, his economy rate of 10.32 has been a concern. Nevertheless, his ability to provide variety as a left-arm seamer could appeal to CSK, and he is also a viable option for death bowling.
