New Delhi: Star India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin showered praise on Australias pacer Nathan Ellis who is all set to represent Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2026 season. Retained by the five-time champions ahead of the mini-auction Ellis has started to justify the franchises faith with a run of impressive performances. The right-arm quick is currently in outstanding form and has also cemented his place as a regular member of Australias T20I XI.

On Monday Ellis ended with the figures of 3/30 from his four overs for the Hobart Hurricanes in their Big Bash League clash against the Melbourne Renegades at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart helping restrict the visitors to 162/9 in 20 overs.

The pacer also handled the death overs a role CSK are likely to assign him in the absence of Matheesha Pathirana. Ashwin feels the Men in Yellow will be encouraged by Ellis progress especially given his ability to nail yorkers and vary his pace to keep batters guessing.

The men in yellove will be happy with how he’s been shaping up. 4-0-30-3 for Hobart Hurricanes today. Most importantly 2-0-15-2 at the death bowling 17 and 20 nailing his yorkers and change of pace Ashwin wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Safe to say two overs of Ellis are locked at the Pauk in the death for the summer of 26? he added.
Nathan Ellis was acquired by CSK for Rs 2 crore
Ellis was acquired by CSK for Rs 2 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 season but he got an opportunity to play just one match during the campaign picking up a single wicket. Before joining CSK the Ellis represented Punjab Kings for four seasons where he played 16 matches and picked 18 wickets.

CSK had a disappointing season earlier this year finishing at the bottom of the points table for the first time in their history and will be keen to bounce back and push for a playoff spot in the 2026 edition.
Hobart Hurricanes secured a 4-wicket victory over Melbourne Renegades
In the Big Bash League clash between the Hurricanes and the Renegades Hobart secured convincing four-wickets win with an over to spare. Matthew Wade anchored the chase with an unbeaten 43 off 20 balls which included two fours and four sixes to guide the Hurricanes home.

The victory helped Hobart strengthen their hold on second place in the standings with eight points from five matches. They are set to face the Perth Scorchers next on Thursday January 1.