The Chennai Super Kings are facing a significant setback just before the 2026 season kicks off, as Australian fast-bowler Nathan Ellis will be sidelined for the entire season due to a hamstring injury. This Aussie speedster has really come into his own as one of the top death-over bowlers in T20 cricket, showcasing a fantastic mix of slower balls and cutters. His unique bowling style would have thrived in the conditions at M A Chidambaram Stadium, making his absence a tough blow for the five-time champions. Sean Abbott Sean Abbott has really made a name for himself as a dependable cricketer, becoming a familiar face in the franchise circuit. He’s a versatile bowler who has a real talent for taking wickets and can bowl effectively in every phase of the game. In fact, he’s the all-time leading wicket-taker in the Big Bash League, with an impressive 186 wickets, and he’s a regular feature in the Australian T20 team, having claimed 34 wickets in 29 matches. On top of that, he’s also turned into a solid lower-order batter, stepping up to score crucial runs towards the end of innings. His all-round abilities give the Chennai Super Kings the flexibility to strengthen their batting lineup without sacrificing bowling quality. Abbott last played in the IPL in 2022 for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Read also: Sanju Samson is irreplaceable: Riyan Parag opens after rowing with Rajasthan Royals captaincy Ottniel Baartman Ottniel Baartman is currently one of the best options available to replace Nathan Ellis. Known for his skills in death bowling, Baartman has been praised by South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj as the best death bowler he’s ever seen. The Proteas quick is recognized for his precision and execution in the final overs and finished as the highest wicket-taker in the 2026 SA20, claiming 20 wickets in nine games for the Paarl Royals. Having played for the Texas Super Kings in the MLC before, Baartman knows Fleming’s system well. His addition would bring much-needed balance to Chennai's pace attack, especially during those powerplay overs. Gerald Coetzee It was quite surprising that no team picked South Africa’s Gerald Coetzee during the IPL auction. Despite some fluctuations in form, the Proteas pacer has a skill set that could really benefit any team. His hit-the-deck bowling style would be a great fit for the Chepauk pitch and would help balance out the Chennai Super Kings' new-ball-heavy attack. Plus, he can chip in with the bat down the order. Coetzee has already played for two Super Kings franchises (Johannesburg and Texas), so the management is likely familiar with him. In his first IPL season, he took 13 wickets in 10 games for the Mumbai Indians in 2024, and he was picked up in the mega auction in 2025 by the Gujarat Titans, where he played four matches and took four wickets.