Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury, forcing the Chennai Super Kings to search for a replacement ahead of their March 30 opener.
Chennai Super Kings are facing a major setback before IPL 2026 as Nathan Ellis has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. The Australian pacer will miss the full tournament. He played in the T20 World Cup 2026 before the injury ended his campaign.
CSK now searches for a replacement with 9 days left before their first match on March 30 against Rajasthan Royals. CEO K S Viswanathan confirmed the update on Thursday during a partnership event. Ellis was set to handle death overs. He joined the squad to replace Matheesha Pathirana, who left after IPL 2025 and moved to KKR. His absence will now shift responsibility to Khaleel Ahmed and Matt Henry.
“It is a big blow for us. Ellis is a crucial bowler, especially in the death overs. We are looking at replacements,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said at an event.
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Meanwhile, the franchise expects its overseas players to join the squad in the next few days ahead of IPL 2026. Viswanathan said the ongoing West Asia crisis has not affected the team’s travel plans. Sanju Samson has already joined the camp, while the Indian core has settled in preparation for the season.
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| March 30 | Rajasthan Royals | Guwahati |
| April 3 | Punjab Kings | Chennai |
| April 5 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Bengaluru |
| April 11 | Delhi Capitals | Chennai |
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