IPL 2026 CSK squad: Five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a major hiccup on Thursday, 9 days before the IPL 2026 tournament begins. Australian pacer Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the championship due to a hamstring injury, leaving a void in CSK’s bowling attack. 

The 31-year-old was acquired for Rs 2 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction and was expected to play a key role, especially in death overs. CSK CEO KS Visvanathan confirmed the development, terming it a ‘big blow’ to the franchise. He added that the franchise has begun exploring replacement options. 

CSK finished at the bottom of the chart in IPL 2025

The setback comes on the back of a disappointing IPL 2025 season, where CSK finished at the bottom of the chart by losing 10 of their 14 matches. In response, the franchise had made sweeping changes to the playing XI. Among its most notable moves was the trade involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, with wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson too joining the team.

IPL 2026 CSK squad: Gaikwad to spearhead team in IPL 2026

Veteran cricket icon MS Dhoni is slated to feature in yet another IPL season at the age of 44, as CSK eye a record-extending sixth title. Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad will captain the team this season. Other emerging talents such as Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel impressed in the previous edition of IPL. Additionally, CSK signed uncapped players Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, making headlines.

Samson arrives in Chennai, receives rousing welcome from fans

After displaying heroics in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, Sanju Samson arrived in Chennai on Thursday evening. He received a rousing welcome from his fans, and his inclusion is expected to bolster CSK’s batting attack. CSK will face Rajasthan Royals in their first match of IPL 2026 in Guwahati on March 30, 2026.

Watch Samson’s Chennai touchdown below:

Chennai feels Sanju’s aura 💛#Dencoming #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/hphCN9sVuf

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 19, 2026

Also read: SRH skipper Cummins to miss few matches in IPL 2026, captaincy handed over to Ishan Kishan