Chennai Super Kings In a major setback ahead of IPL 2026, Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury.The 31-year-old fast bowler was last seen in action for Tasmania during the Australian ODI Cup final in Hobart, where he returned figures of 2/26 from five overs in the loss against New South Wales. Although the exact moment of his injury is unclear, Ellis had previously been dealing with a hamstring problem that had caused him to miss the knockout stages of the Big Bash League, where he captained the Hobart Hurricanes.Ellis was expected to play a key role for CSK as their primary death bowler and was set to become their specialist at this stage, especially as the franchise had parted ways with Muttisha Pathirana ahead of the auction. His absence now leaves a big void, forcing the team management to look for a replacement.Here are five players who could step in as Ellis’ replacements:Othnell Bartman (South Africa)Perhaps the closest such replacement, Bartman has received much praise, with South African spinner Keshav Maharaj calling him the country’s best death bowler. He played a key role in Sunrisers Eastern Cape winning back-to-back SA20 titles in 2023 and 2024 and was also instrumental in South Africa’s run to the T20 World Cup final in 2024.Sean Abbott (Australia)A proven performer in T20 cricket, Abbott fits in well with CSK’s preference for experienced Australian fast bowlers. He holds the record for the most wickets in BBL history with 165 scalps, highlighting his consistency, especially under pressure. His accuracy and experience in death makes him a strong candidate to fill the role of Alice.Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)Coetzee offers a high-impact but slightly risky option. He was South Africa’s leading performer in the 2023 ODI World Cup, taking the most wickets by South Africa in a single edition. Known for his pace and ability to move the ball, he can be effective both up front and in the death overs. However, injuries remained a concern, as he missed the T20 World Cup 2026 and played only three matches in the SA20 2026. He also has IPL experience, having played for 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, giving West Indies a historic win over Australia after 27 years. Although primarily known for his red-ball exploits, his fast pace and quick action can translate well to T20 cricket. Unsold after being released by Lucknow Supergiants in the IPL 2026 auction, he remains an interesting option.Fazlul Haq Farooqui (Afghanistan)The left-arm fast bowler has some pre-IPL experience. Rajasthan Royals And continues to be a regular in Afghanistan’s T20 setup. Although he has taken six wickets in 12 IPL matches, his economy rate of 10.32 is worrying. Nevertheless, his ability to provide variety as a left-arm seamer could appeal to CSK, and he is a viable option for death bowling as well.
