Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have faced another setback ahead of IPL 2026, as Australian all-rounder Matthew Short is set to miss the initial phase of the glitzy league. According to Cricbuzz, the 30-year-old is currently recovering from a fractured thumb sustained during domestic play. While he is expected to join the squad later in the campaign, his delayed arrival leaves a gap in the team's top-order options and part-time bowling resources.
CSK's Matthew Short to miss start of IPL 2026
Short’s injury follows a difficult period on the international stage, where he was unexpectedly omitted from Australia's final 15-member squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Despite being a prominent figure in their preliminary plans, a shift in strategy and concerns over his recent form led selectors to opt for other middle-order alternatives. For Australia, his absence from the World Cup is mitigated by their existing depth, but for CSK, his versatile skill set was a key component of their auction planning.
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Nathan Ellis ruled out of IPL 2026
CSK have officially confirmed that Australian pacer Nathan Ellis will miss the entire IPL 2026 season due to a persistent hamstring injury. This loss is particularly significant for the five-time champions, as Ellis was expected to lead their death-overs attack following the pre-auction release of Matheesha Pathirana. Under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad, the management is now working urgently to secure a replacement who can handle the high-pressure final overs.
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