CSK face major blow ahead of IPL 2026 as star pacer gets ruled out with hamstring injury

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a massive blow ahead of the start of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), with fast bowler Nathan Ellis being ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The blow comes just nine days before the start of the IPL season, commencing on Saturday, March 28.

The 31-year-old will be a massive miss for the five-time champions as they look to return to the top of the standings after finishing rock bottom last time around. For a few seasons, Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana was their primary death bowler. The 23-year-old, however, has moved to the Kolkata Knight Riders, leaving the death-bowling slot open.

Ellis was widely considered as the bowler to fill in those shoes but the Australian pacer has not recovered from his injury on time. 

“It is a big blow for us. Ellis is a crucial bowler, especially in the death overs. We are looking at replacements,” CSK CEO K.S. Viswanthan was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

Ellis was part of the Chennai setup in 2025 but only featured in one game. He has picked up a total of 19 wickets across his IPL career. 

CSK’s overseas bowling attack has taken a major blow ahead of the start of the 2026 IPL season. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side still possesses the likes of New Zealand duo of Matt Henry and Zak Foulkes along with the experienced England all-rounder Jamie Overton. However, none of these bowlers are renowned for their death bowling prowess. 

As far as replacements are concerned, CSK have already missed the boat in securing the signature of Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani, who was picked up by the KKR side as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman. 

CSK will open their 2026 IPL campaign against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Monday, March 30, at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati in Assam. A new-look side already have two less experienced bowlers in the form of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, who were both traded to RR to secure the services of Sanju Samson.