The Otniel Baartman saga is likely to stretch on for a few more chapters as the South African fast bowler is reportedly linked with an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise. If the rumors and speculations prove to be true then the rising South African fast bowler could join Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the IPL 2026 season.
The Proteas pacer was scheduled to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) but suddenly withdrew his name citing personal issues. The fast bowler chose PSL first, ignoring the IPL 2026 mini auction. He had not registered himself for the IPL players auction.
Why was Ellis dropped from IPL 2026?
During the lead-up to the 2026 IPL, the franchise faced challenges due to several injuries. CSK has high expectations from Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis. Ellis can be important for the team, especially during the death overs.
He was ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. According to media reports, his old injury was aggravated during the home One-Day Cup final on March 11, requiring three months of rehabilitation, forcing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to look for a replacement.
Otniel Bartman climbs up the ranks with continued impressive spells
On the other hand, 33-year-old fast bowler Otniel Bartman of the West. Cape, who recently entered international cricket, is known for his well-controlled bowling spells. If CSK signs him as a replacement for Ellis, Bartman will get a chance to make his IPL debut.
Otniel Bartman had a fantastic SA20 2025-26 season with Paarl Royals, taking 20 wickets in 9 matches at an economy rate of 9.13. His ability to take wickets at crucial moments makes him even more lethal in the Twenty20 format.
Otniel Baartman last featured for the South Africa national cricket team on March 22, 2026, against New Zealand in a T20I match in Wellington, where he took two wickets for 30 runs.
Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson also has a chance to join CSK as a replacement for Nathan Ellis
Spencer Johnson has also reportedly been linked with Chennai Super Kings as a possible replacement for the injured Nathan Ellis. Unlike Otniel Bartman, Spencer Johnson was interested in the player auction, but he remained unsold and failed to attract any interest from teams. The Australian bowler, who can bowl at tremendous pace, has the experience of playing IPL, although that does not justify his talent.
Last season, he played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In 4 IPL 2025 matches, he took only 1 wicket, and that too at an economy rate of 11.73, which was very expensive, and the team had no desire to retain him for another season.
Before joining KKR, Spencer Johnson played for Gujarat Titans in the 2024 season, where he took 4 wickets in 5 matches. If reports are to be believed, either Bartman or Johnson could be among the 5-time IPL winners before the 2026 Indian Premier League.
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