Five-time IPL champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), face a setback as their key bowler, Nathan Ellis, is ruled out of the upcoming season due to a hamstring injury. CSK confirmed Ellis’ absence through a social media post, wishing him a speedy recovery. Ellis, who joined CSK for Rs 2 crore in 2025, had 19 wickets from 17 IPL matches and was retained for the 2026 season.
The 31-year-old Australian, previously with Punjab Kings, was expected to play a significant role for CSK, especially after the departure of Matheesha Pathirana to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). With Ellis sidelined, CSK’s overseas fast-bowling options include Matt Henry, Jamie Overton, and Zak Foulkes, along with Indian pacers like Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, and Mukesh Choudhary.
CSK, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, also boasts T20 World Cup champion Shivam Dube and Aman Khan as pace bowling all-rounders. The team will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign on March 30 against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, followed by matches against Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at their home ground, M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, before facing Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bengaluru on April 5.
In the previous IPL season, CSK finished at the bottom, winning only four out of 14 matches and being the first team to exit the playoff contention.
