Former Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin praised Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis during the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 season. Ashwin said that given his skills and versatility, Ellis can play an important role for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with the ball in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
With Mathisha Pathirana moving to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the Super Kings will have to find a reliable option for the death overs. Nathan Ellis could be a good option, even if he’s not a like-for-like replacement. Ellis, who was a part of the CSK team last season, took one wicket for 38 runs in just one match.
Nathan Ellis leads Hobart Hurricanes bowling effort against Renegades
Hobart Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis played a key role in restricting Melbourne Renegades to 162/9 after winning the toss. The Renegades got off to a great start, but poor shot selection and easy outs led to the team’s collapse in the face of disciplined bowling.
Ellis led the storm’s attack with control and smart variations. He struck at crucial moments and finished with impressive figures of 3 out of 30. With strong support from the rest of the bowling unit, Ellis ensured that the Renegades were kept around 20 to 25 runs below the total.
After reaching 72/2 inside the powerplay, the Renegades lost wickets regularly in the middle overs. Some resistance from the lower order could not repair the damage, and another collapse during a power surge left them well behind the competitive score.
Nathan Ellis is stuck in ‘punk’ – Ravichandran Ashwin
After the Melbourne Renegades innings, Ravichandran Ashwin said that Nathan Ellis bowled well in all phases of the innings. Ashwin said Ellis has secured a definite role in the death overs for Chennai Super Kings, adding that he could become a regular feature in the IPL 2026 season.
“The Yellows will be happy with how he’s shaping up. 4-0-30-3 for Hobart Hurricanes today,” Ravichandran Ashwin wrote on
“The most important thing is to bowl 2-0-15-2 in the death overs, 17 and 20, perfect your yorkers and vary the pace. Is it safe to say that Ellis’ two overs at the death are locked in the ‘pock’ for the summer of 26?” He added.
Men in yellow will be happy with how he is shaping up.
4-0-30-3 for Hobart Hurricanes today.
Most importantly, bowling 2-0-15-2 in the death overs, 17 and 20, his yorkers and variations of pace.
It’s safe to say that Ellis’ two overs have been locked in at the death for ‘Pock’… pic.twitter.com/zjkg0ipXJQ
– Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) 29 December 2025
Nathan Ellis could be the key bowler for CSK all round
Nathan Ellis is seen as a bowler who is full of responsibility and can be relied upon at any stage of the innings. This flexibility makes him a valuable option for the Chennai Super Kings, who have an experienced bowling attack but lack a player who can be relied upon in all situations.
Ellis bowls with intensity throughout his spell and offers a wide variety of variations. Although he may not be an express fast bowler, he strikes the pitch hard, keeps his pace slow and consistently attacks the stumps, making life uncomfortable for the batsmen.
His clever use of slower balls and variation of pace can be particularly effective on the lower, slower surfaces of the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Given those circumstances, Ellis has the skills to be a real difference-maker for CSK, especially in pressure moments.
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