CSK plunged into early turmoil as another Australia star’s injury compounds Nathan Ellis' setback

The Australian all-rounder was picked up for INR 1.5 crore at the auction, but his availability has now been pushed back.

Updated on: Mar 20, 2026, 17:43:02 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Chennai Super Kings have been dealt another setback ahead of the new season, with injuries continuing to disrupt their plans. Matthew Short is the latest to be affected, as a report on Cricbuzz suggested that he will miss the opening few matches due to a fractured thumb. The Australian all-rounder was picked up for INR 1.5 crore at the auction, but his availability has now been pushed back. Short has featured in 21 T20Is for Australia, scoring 382 runs from 19 innings at an average of 22.47 and a strike rate exceeding 155, including one fifty. In the IPL, he has played six matches, scoring 117 runs at an average of 19.5. His absence further adds to the concerns for the team early in the campaign.

CSK will start their season on March 30 against Rajasthan Royals (IPL/BCCI Image)

CSK have already been forced into an early rethink after losing Nathan Ellis ahead of the IPL season. The Australian fast bowler, who was expected to play a major role in their pace attack, has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, leaving a noticeable gap in the squad. Ellis, part of Australia’s T20 World Cup setup, is unlikely to recover in time for the tournament. With the season drawing closer, the franchise has been left searching for a replacement, a process that could prove challenging at this stage.

CEO Kasi Viswanathan admitted the setback has hurt the team’s plans, adding that efforts are already underway to identify a suitable option to step in and strengthen the bowling unit before the campaign begins.

“It is a big blow for us. Ellis is a crucial bowler, especially in the death overs. We are looking at replacements,” said CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan to Sportstar.

Also Read - ‘Virat Kohli will make it known to his critics’: Mohammad Kaif reckons Test retirement not been easy for RCB superstar

Heading into 2026, the franchise has opted for a reset with a few bold decisions. The headline move was the trade involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, with Sanju Samson brought in as part of the overhaul. It points to a clear change in direction as the team looks to build a more balanced and adaptable squad for the new season.

Here is CSK's IPL 2026 schedule:

RR vs CSK - 7:30 PM IST - March 30 - Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

CSK vs PBKS - 7:30 PM IST - April 3 - MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

RCB vs CSK - 7:30 PM IST - April 5 - M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

CSK vs DC - 7:30 PM IST - April 11 - MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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