chennai super kings In a major setback ahead of IPL 2026, Australia pacer Nathan Ellis has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.The 31-year-old fast bowler last played for Tasmania in the Australian One-Day Cup final in Hobart, where he took 2/26 in five overs as they lost to New South Wales. While the exact timing of Ellis’ injury is unclear, Ellis had earlier been dealing with a hamstring issue that forced him to miss the knockout stages of the Big Bash League, where he captained the Hobart Hurricanes.Ellis is expected to play a key role as CSK’s main death bowler and is set to be a specialist in that phase, especially after the team parted ways with Mathesha Pathirana before the auction. His absence now leaves a major void, forcing the team management to look for alternatives.Here are five players who could replace Ellis:Otniel Bartman (South Africa)Perhaps the closest replacement, Buteman has earned high praise, with South African spinner Keshav Maharaj calling him the best death bowler in the country. He played a key role in Sunrisers Eastern Cape winning back-to-back SA20 titles in 2023 and 2024 and also contributed to South Africa’s run to the 2024 T20 World Cup finals. Unsold in the IPL 2026 auction and having been previously linked with Texas Super Kings, he represents a perfect fit for CSK.Sean Abbott (Australia)A proven performer in T20 cricket, Abbott fits CSK’s preference for an experienced Australian pacer. He holds the record for most wickets in BBL history with 165 scalps, which highlights his consistency, especially in pressure situations. His accuracy and experience at the death make him a strong candidate to fill Ellis’ position.Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)Coetzee offers a higher-impact but less risky option. He is South Africa’s best player at the 2023 ODI World Cup and is the player who has taken the most wickets at a single World Cup in South Africa. Known for his pace and ability to move the ball, he is very effective both in the front and in the death overs. However, injuries remain an issue as he missed the 2026 T20 World Cup and played just three games in the 2026 SA20. If healthy, he could be a game-winning addition. He also has IPL experience, having played for Mumbai Indians.Sharma Joseph (West Indies)Joseph brings an element of unpredictability, but also great potential. He made headlines with figures of 7/68 in Brisbane, helping West Indies to a historic win over Australia after 27 years. While he is primarily known for his red-ball exploits, his raw pace and gliding action translate well to T20 cricket. After being released by Lucknow Supergiants, he was unsold in the IPL 2026 auction but remains an interesting option.Fazal Haq Farooqi (Afghanistan)Left arm pacemaker with previous IPL experience rajasthan royals and went on to become a regular in Afghanistan’s T20 set-up. Although he has taken 6 wickets in 12 IPL matches, his economy rate of 10.32 has been a concern. Nonetheless, his ability to provide versatility as a left-arm seamer may appeal to CSK, and he is also a viable option for death bowling.
