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CSK’s bowling crisis: Is Baartman the answer to Ellis absence,what are the options available?

CSK are evaluating Ottneil Baartman as a like-for-like replacement for Nathan Ellis, with multiple overseas pace options under consideration.

By Aritra Chatterjee

Mar 21, 2026 14:10 IST

The stage is set for the toughest cricket league in the world, and the yellow brigade has already started their practice. CSK's new core has come together under the supervision of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, whose match fitness and game time will be a matter of thought for CSK's think tank. But for now, the main concern for CSK is how they are going to cope with the unavailability of Nathan Ellis.

On Friday CSK confirmed on their official social media networks about the unavailability of Nathan Elllis Nd many of the top sources have confirmed that the yellow army is checking the RAPP sheet very closely and Ottniel Bartman’s name is coming as the first choice replacement.

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CSK had parted ways with Matheesha Pathirana because of his limited effectiveness with the new action, and his fitness remained in doubt throughout. CSK projected Ellis to head the bowling department as he is going to start and end for them. They have Matt Henry but he is not that effective in the death. For CSK the concern is big and the answers are fewer.

What are the options available in the RAPP sheet?

Other than Ottniel Bartman, CSK can look for left-arm pace bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi, his medium pace bowling with cutter can be effective for them also Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith are available. Jhye’s recent performance had become one of the major talking points after the Australian team selection in the World Cup, and Meredith has also become a more mature bowler now. Other than that Gerald Coetzee is available but his recent performance was not that good.

Why could Ottneil Baartman be the first choice?

In the last South Africa tour of India his performance was one of the major talking points, his effectiveness in the end and the calibre to use balls differently made him one of the finest South African bowlers.

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Other than Lungi Ngidi he is the only bowler who has taken a hat-trick. His ability to ball according to the situation has made him one of a kind.

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