CSK bring in Australian pacer as replacement for injured Nathan Ellis | Cricket News – The Times of India
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CSK bring in Australian pacer as replacement for injured Nathan Ellis | Cricket News – The Times of India


CSK bring in Australian pacer as replacement for injured Nathan Ellis | Cricket News – The Times of India
Nathan Ellis (Photo by PTI)

NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made a late squad change ahead of IPL 2026 after Australian pacer Nathan Ellis was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Ellis, who was expected to lead the bowling attack, leaves behind a significant gap just before the season begins.CSK have now signed Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson as his replacement for Rs 1.5 crore.

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Johnson brings some international experience, having played limited-overs cricket for Australia, and has also featured in the IPL earlier with Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders.Ellis’s absence is a big blow for CSK, especially with the team already missing key pacer Matheesha Pathirana. He had been retained for Rs 2 crore and had a decent IPL record, picking up 19 wickets in 17 matches. His experience was expected to be crucial for the team’s pace attack this season.Earlier, there was uncertainty around the replacement, with a franchise official saying, “Yes, he is out. We have not yet decided on the replacement,” indicating the team was still working on a solution.With Johnson now coming in, CSK will hope he can step up and fill the void left by Ellis. While he may not have the same IPL experience, his international exposure and pace-bowling ability could prove valuable as the team looks to stay competitive in the new season.


Matheesha Pathirana to miss early stages of IPL 2026, Harshit Rana’s participation also doubtful
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Matheesha Pathirana to miss early stages of IPL 2026, Harshit Rana’s participation also doubtful


Matheesha Pathirana to miss early stages of IPL 2026, Harshit Rana’s participation also doubtful

File photo of Harshit Rana and Matheesha Pathirana

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Matheesha Pathirana is expected to miss the early stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, while Harshit Rana’s availability in the tournament is also uncertain, according to ESPNcricinfo.

KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar has confirmed that Pathirana, who was snapped up for ₹18 cr in the IPL auction, will be available only from mid-April. The Sri Lankan pacer, who missed the 2026 T20 World Cup with a calf strain, is currently undergoing rehabilitation under the supervision of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

Speaking at KKR’s pre-season press conference, Abhishek Nayar stated that Pathirana is undergoing rehab with the Sri Lankan Cricket Board and is expected to be match fit around mid-April.

“The latest update that we know is he’s obviously with the Sri Lankan cricket board and they took out his rehab. And the latest communication that we’ve had is, hopefully, somewhere mid-April is when they feel he’ll be match fit. That’s what we know as of now,” he said.

KKR are also facing the loss of Harshit Rana, a key pace bowler for them in recent seasons, due to a knee injury. Rana sustained the injury during India’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match against South Africa and missed the tournament.

Nayar described Rana’s absence as a significant loss, noting his importance to the team over recent seasons. He added that KKR is currently evaluating other bowlers with the leadership group to find a suitable replacement.

“Firstly, it is a big blow. Because Harshit has been an integral part of this team for the last couple of seasons, including the championship season. He’s grown a lot as a cricketer over the years, so it’s not easy to replace him. Having said that, over the last few days, we’ve looked at a few bowlers. We’re trying to evaluate, with the help of the leadership group, who fits in and who can do that role to the best of their prowess. We’re still evaluating that and haven’t made that decision yet, but hopefully we’ll identify someone soon who can make a difference to this squad,” the KKR head coach said.

KKR are set to kick their IPL 2026 campaign off against the Mumbai Indians on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The three-time champions will then face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, before facing off against last year’s finalists, Punjab Kings, on April 6, also at Eden Gardens.

In their fourth IPL match, KKR will face Lucknow Super Giants on April 9 at Eden Gardens.

Published – March 21, 2026 09:57 am IST


IPL 2026: After Mustafizur, Harshit Rana blows, KKR get cryptic Matheesha Pathirana boost | Cricket News – The Times of India
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IPL 2026: After Mustafizur, Harshit Rana blows, KKR get cryptic Matheesha Pathirana boost | Cricket News – The Times of India


IPL 2026: After Mustafizur, Harshit Rana blows, KKR get cryptic Matheesha Pathirana boost | Cricket News – The Times of India
Harshit Rana and Mustafizur Rahman (Agency Photo)

NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders have run into multiple problems ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. The team first lost Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked the franchise to release him from the squad.KKR had bought Mustafizur for Rs 9.20 crore during the auction after a bidding battle with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. The team had hoped the experienced left-arm pacer would strengthen their bowling attack.

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However, the move sparked controversy amid political tensions, leading the BCCI to intervene.BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board had asked KKR to release the player because of the sensitive situation surrounding the signing.

Injury concerns for Harshit Rana

KKR then suffered another setback with young Indian pacer Harshit Rana. His participation in IPL 2026 is uncertain after he appeared on crutches during the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 in Mumbai.Rana was supposed to receive the Best International Debut (Men’s) award but could not walk to the stage due to his injury, prompting Arun Dhumal to step down and present the award to him.The fast bowler later underwent knee surgery on February 9 and is expected to need two to three months for recovery, which raises doubts about whether he will be fit for the upcoming IPL season. His possible absence could weaken KKR’s pace attack, where he has played an important role in recent years.

Possible boost with Matheesha Pathirana

Despite the setbacks, there may be some positive news for KKR. Player agent Amila Kalugalage recently posted a “person fencing” emoji on X, which many believe hints at good news regarding Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana.Matheesha Pathirana suffered an injury while playing for the Sri Lanka national cricket team during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, forcing him to miss the remainder of the tournament and raising doubts about his availability for the Indian Premier League 2026. The pacer had taken two wickets in three matches with an economy of 6.05 before being sidelined. The post, however, confirms that he may’ve fully recovered and is fit to play, and he is expected to play a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ pace attack.KKR have also added Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani as a backup option. Even so, replacing Rana’s role, especially in the crucial death overs, could still be a challenge for the team as they prepare for the new season.

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Huge blow! Matheesha Pathirana ruled out of T20 World Cup, IPL 2026 in doubt | Cricket News – The Times of India
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Huge blow! Matheesha Pathirana ruled out of T20 World Cup, IPL 2026 in doubt | Cricket News – The Times of India


Huge blow! Matheesha Pathirana ruled out of T20 World Cup, IPL 2026 in doubt | Cricket News – The Times of India
Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana (AP/PTI)

Sri Lanka have been forced into a change in their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana was ruled out with injury. Pacer Dilshan Madushanka has been officially cleared as his replacement.Pathirana picked up a muscle strain during Sri Lanka’s Group B clash against Australia national cricket team on Monday in Pallekele, a match the hosts won by eight wickets. The setback occurred early in his spell, cutting short his involvement in the game.

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Confirming the change, “The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has approved Dilshan Madushanka as a replacement for Matheesha Pathirana in the Sri Lanka squad,”the ICC said in a release.The right-arm quick had bowled just three deliveries against Australia before discomfort forced him to stop. He was unable to complete the over, having previously featured in Sri Lanka’s matches against Ireland and Oman.The injury is also a concern for his Indian Premier League franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders. The three-time champions invested INR 18 crore in Pathirana. With Mustafizur Rahman already released and Harshit Rana facing uncertainty for IPL 2026, the latest setback compounds their pace-bowling worries.The incident unfolded when he delivered a ball to Australia captain Mitchell Marsh and immediately clutched his left leg in visible pain. Although early commentary suggested a hamstring issue, it was later confirmed as a muscle strain. The team physio rushed out, but Pathirana had to be assisted off the field, with Dasun Shanaka completing the remaining deliveries of the over.