3 players who can replace Nathan Ellis in Chennai Super Kings squad for IPL 2026

Published - 20 Mar 2026, 13:45 IST | Updated - 20 Mar 2026, 14:10 IST

The Chennai Super Kings have been dealt a massive blow ahead of the start of the 2026 season with Australian fast-bowler Nathan Ellis set to miss the entire season due to a hamstring injury. The Aussie quick has developed into one of the finest death-over specialists in the shortest format, with an array of slower balls and cutters at his disposal. His style of bowling would suit the conditions at the M A Chidambaram Stadium, and his absence becomes a huge miss for the five-time champions.

Sean Abbott has developed himself into a reliable cricketer, becoming a regular name across the franchise circuit. He is a versatile bowler with a knack for picking up wickets and can bowl in all phases of the game. He is the leading wicket-taker in the history of the Big Bash League, with 186 scalps, and is a regular name for the Australian team in T20s, picking up 34 wickets in 29 matches.

Aside from that, he has also developed himself into a reliable lower-order batter, capable of scoring vital runs coming in towards the back-end of the innings. He offers an all-round package which allows the Chennai Super Kings to lengthen their batting order without compromising on bowling quality. Abbott’s last appearance in the IPL came in 2022, playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.