New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been dealt with a big blow ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 as all-rounder Matthew Short is set to miss initial matches for the franchise. Short would be missing the starting few games due to a fractured thumb but is hopeful of joining the five-time champions in the middle stages of the T20 league.
With pacer Nathan Ellis already ruled out of the entire cash-rich league on Thursday due to a hamstring injury, Short’s absence in the initial games comes as a big blow for the franchise. This has forced the CSK management to look for alternate options for these players. Short also featured in the probable’s for Australia’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad but due to his bad form and strategy change, he was left out.
While Short’s absence does not seem to a major worry for the Super Kings as he was always in their back-up plans for the marquee T20 event. Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Dewald Brevis and Matt Henry are set to be their four overseas players who supposedly would fulfill the required slots but the absence of a spin-bowling all-rounder would definitely pinch them. Short is the only legitimate off-spin option option CSK has in the team.
CSK finding Ellis’ replacement
The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led squad would be in deep worry for finding the right replacement for pacer Ellis, who was one of their top overseas players. With him out for the entire season, the franchise would be looking for someone to fill in the shoes for the death overs as he was the best death over option they had till now.
Meanwhile, Super Kings will begin their campaign against one-time winners Rajasthan Royals on March 30 in Guwahati. The side has already started practicing for the league, with veteran player MS Dhoni and Sanju Samson, who was traded in from RR, joining the squad.