Chennai Super Kings have suffered a major setback forward of IPL 2026, with Australian pacer Nathan Ellis dominated out of the event as a consequence of a hamstring damage.The 31-year-old quick bowler was final seen in motion for Tasmania in the course of the Australian One-Day Cup closing in Hobart, the place he returned figures of two/26 from 5 overs in a shedding trigger towards New South Wales. Whereas the precise second of his damage stays unclear, Ellis had earlier been coping with a hamstring subject that pressured him to overlook the knockout stage of the Large Bash League, the place he captained the Hobart Hurricanes.Ellis was anticipated to play an important position for CSK as their main dying bowler and was set to be their specialist in that section, particularly after the franchise parted methods with Matheesha Pathirana earlier than the public sale. His absence now leaves a serious void, forcing the group administration to discover alternate options.Listed below are 5 gamers who may step in as replacements for Ellis:Ottneil Baartman (South Africa)Maybe the closest like-for-like alternative, Baartman has earned excessive reward, with South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj calling him one of the best dying bowler within the nation. He performed a key position in Sunrisers Japanese Cape’s back-to-back SA20 title wins in 2023 and 2024 and likewise contributed to South Africa’s run to the T20 World Cup closing in 2024. Having gone unsold on the IPL 2026 public sale and with prior hyperlinks to Texas Tremendous Kings, he represents a seamless match for CSK.Sean Abbott (Australia)A confirmed performer in T20 cricket, Abbott aligns nicely with CSK’s desire for knowledgeable Australian quicks. He holds the file for many wickets in BBL historical past with 165 scalps, underlining his consistency, particularly in strain conditions. His accuracy and expertise on the dying make him a powerful candidate to fill Ellis’ position.Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)Coetzee affords a high-impact however barely dangerous possibility. He was South Africa’s main performer on the 2023 ODI World Cup, registering essentially the most wickets by a South African in a single version. Identified for his tempo and talent to maneuver the ball, he may be efficient each upfront and within the dying overs. Nevertheless, accidents stay a priority, as he missed the T20 World Cup 2026 and performed solely three matches in SA20 2026. If match, he might be a match-winning addition. He additionally has IPL expertise, having performed for the Mumbai Indians.Shamar Joseph (West Indies)Joseph brings a component of unpredictability but additionally immense potential. He made headlines along with his 7/68 in Brisbane, serving to West Indies safe a historic win over Australia after 27 years. Whereas primarily recognized for his red-ball exploits, his uncooked tempo and skiddy motion may translate nicely into T20 cricket. Unsold on the IPL 2026 public sale after being launched by Lucknow Tremendous Giants, he stays an intriguing possibility.Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan)The left-arm pacer has prior IPL expertise with Rajasthan Royals and continues to be a daily in Afghanistan’s T20 setup. Although he has taken six wickets in 12 IPL matches, his economic system price of 10.32 has been a priority. Nonetheless, his skill to supply selection as a left-arm seamer may enchantment to CSK, and he’s additionally a viable possibility for dying bowling.