New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have found a promising candidate to fill the void left by Matheesha Pathirana in the death overs for IPL 2026. Pathirana, who had been CSK’s go-to bowler at the death for several seasons, was released ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Despite attempts, CSK could not acquire a specialized death-over bowler during the mini-auction.
Nathan Ellis: The New Death Overs Threat
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has endorsed Australian pacer Nathan Ellis as a strong contender to handle CSK’s death overs. Ellis, who plays for Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League, impressed with his precise yorkers and slower deliveries. Ashwin highlighted Ellis’ performance against Melbourne Renegades on social media, noting, “4-0-30-3 overall, and crucially 2-0-15-2 in the 17th and 20th overs. His yorkers and variations are spot on. For IPL 2026, his two overs at the death seem certain.”
Ellis’ Impressive T20 Credentials
The 31-year-old Ellis has a strong record in T20 cricket. In 32 international T20 matches for Australia, he has taken 50 wickets, including a hat-trick on debut. Known for his accurate yorkers and deceptive slower balls, including back-of-the-hand slower deliveries, Ellis is regarded as one of Australia’s key T20 pacers. Last season, CSK gave him only a single match opportunity, but his skills suggest he could become a vital weapon in the team’s bowling arsenal for the upcoming season.
With Ellis likely to lead CSK’s death overs attack, the franchise aims to maintain its dominance and strategic edge in IPL 2026.
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