Former Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin showered praise on Australia pacer Nathan Ellis during the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 season. Ashwin said that Ellis could play a key role for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with the ball in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, given his skills and variations.
With Matheesha Pathirana moving to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the Super Kings will need to find a reliable option for the death overs. Nathan Ellis could be a good option, even if he is not a like-for-like replacement. Ellis, who was part of CSK’s squad last season, featured in just one match, taking one wicket for 38 runs.
Nathan Ellis Leads Hobart Hurricanes’ Bowling Effort Against Renegades
Hobart Hurricanes skipper Nathan Ellis played a crucial role in restricting the Melbourne Renegades to 162/9 after winning the toss. The Renegades got off to a flying start, but poor shot selection and soft dismissals triggered a collapse against disciplined bowling.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Ellis led the Hurricanes’ attack with control and smart variations. He struck at key moments and finished with impressive figures of 3 for 30. With strong support from the rest of the bowling unit, Ellis ensured the Renegades were kept to a total around 20 to 25 runs below par.
After reaching 72/2 inside the Powerplay, the Renegades lost wickets regularly through the middle overs. Some resistance from the lower order could not repair the damage, and another collapse during the Power Surge left them well short of a competitive score.
Nathan Ellis Are Locked At the ‘Punk’ – Ravichandran Ashwin
After the Melbourne Renegades’ innings, Ravichandran Ashwin said that Nathan Ellis bowled well across all stages of the innings. Ashwin added that Ellis has all but secured a fixed role in the death overs for Chennai Super Kings, adding that he could become a regular feature in the IPL 2026 season.
“The men in yellove will be happy with how he’s been shaping up. 4-0-30-3 for Hobart Hurricanes today,” Ravichandran Ashwin wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“Most importantly, 2-0-15-2 at the death, bowling 17 and 20, nailing his yorkers and change of pace. Safe to say two overs of Ellis are locked at the ‘Pauk’ in the death for the summer of 26?” he added.
The men in yellove will be happy with how he’s been shaping up.
4-0-30-3 for Hobart Hurricanes today.
Most importantly, 2-0-15-2 at the death, bowling 17 and 20, nailing his yorkers and change of pace.
Safe to say two overs of Ellis are locked at the ‘Pauk’ in the death for… pic.twitter.com/zjkg0ipXJQ
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 29, 2025
Nathan Ellis Could Be a Key All-Phase Bowler for CSK
Nathan Ellis is seen as a bowler who thrives on responsibility and can be trusted at any stage of an innings. That flexibility makes him a valuable option for Chennai Super Kings, whose bowling attack has experience but lacks a player who can be relied upon in all situations.
Ellis bowls with intensity throughout his spell and offers a wide range of variations. While he may not be an express fast bowler, he hits the pitch hard, keeps his pace skiddy, and consistently attacks the stumps, making life uncomfortable for batters.
His clever use of slower balls and changes of pace could be particularly effective on the low, slow surfaces at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Given those conditions, Ellis has the skills to become a genuine difference-maker for CSK, especially in pressure moments.
Also read: Nikhil Chaudhary suffers HORRIFIC INJURY in BBL 2025-26, carried off the field
