Australian fast bowler Nathan Ellis has returned to top form with a brilliant run of performances in ODI cricket. For Chennai Super Kings, his form will certainly be encouraging ahead of IPL 2027.
Ellis missed the entire IPL 2026 season due to a hamstring injury, leaving CSK without one of their key overseas pace options. However, the 31-year-old has now returned to full fitness and is once again showing why he is considered a highly effective white-ball bowler.
Across his last four ODIs for Australia, Ellis has picked up 12 wickets, using his slower deliveries, variations and yorkers effectively.
His recent performances against Zimbabwe and South Africa have been particularly impressive.
Nathan Ellis Dominates Zimbabwe With Ball and Bat
Ellis started his impressive run during Australia’s three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe in Harare.
In the opening ODI, the right-arm pacer produced his maiden international five-wicket haul, finishing with outstanding figures of 5 for 31.
His spell helped Australia bowl Zimbabwe out for 235 and register a 59-run victory.
Ellis continued to make an impact throughout the series and finished the three matches with nine wickets, making him one of Australia’s biggest performers with the ball.
However, his contribution was not limited to bowling.
In the third and final ODI, Australia found themselves in serious trouble while chasing 272. With the recognised batters back in the pavilion, Ellis took responsibility in the lower order.
He remained unbeaten on 36 from 44 deliveries and shared an unbeaten 27-run partnership for the final wicket with Spencer Johnson.
With nine runs required from the final over, Ellis struck a crucial six and helped Australia complete a dramatic one-wicket victory with just one ball remaining.
The win also completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep for Australia.
Nathan Ellis Continues Red-Hot Form Against South Africa
Ellis carried the same confidence into the opening ODI against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban.
Bowling first change, the Australian pacer made an immediate impact by dismissing Quinton de Kock with the very first ball of his spell.
De Kock edged the delivery behind, where wicketkeeper Josh Inglis completed the catch.
Ellis then returned to dismiss David Miller with an excellent caught-and-bowled effort. The Australian showed sharp reflexes in his follow-through to complete the catch and send the dangerous South African batter back.
However, Ellis still had another important wicket left.
Marco Jansen was putting Australia’s bowlers under pressure with an aggressive knock of 75 from 59 balls. Ellis eventually ended his innings with a full and straight delivery in the 49th over.
Jansen attempted to play across the line but missed and was trapped LBW.
Ellis finished with figures of 3 for 57 from his 10 overs as South Africa posted 297 for 8.
The performance took his tally to 12 wickets from his last four ODIs.
Nathan Ellis’ Recent ODI Bowling Figures
Ellis’ numbers underline just how well he has been bowling recently.
Last four ODIs: 12 wickets
His run includes a maiden international five-wicket haul against Zimbabwe and another three-wicket performance against South Africa in Durban.
More importantly, Ellis has been taking wickets at different stages of the innings.
He can operate during the powerplay, use his variations through the middle overs and deliver yorkers and slower balls at the death. That versatility makes him a valuable option in white-ball cricket.
12 wickets in his last 4 ODIs!
Nathan Ellis carries his red-hot form into the series opener against South Africa and delivers once again! 💪
Image Credit: FanCode#SAVSAUS pic.twitter.com/2DY3fTmSKS
— Tezzbuzz (@Tezzbuzz) September 24, 2026
Nathan Ellis IPL 2027 Return Could Be Important for CSK
Nathan Ellis’ recent form is also good news for Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2027.
The Australian pacer was ruled out of IPL 2026 before the start of the tournament after suffering a hamstring injury.
His absence meant CSK could not use a bowler who has built a strong reputation for his variations and death-over skills.
Now, Ellis is back playing international cricket and producing wickets regularly.
His ability to change pace, bowl cutters and execute yorkers gives CSK a different option in their pace attack, particularly during the closing stages of an innings.
There is still plenty of cricket to be played before IPL 2027, but Ellis’ current performances will certainly be encouraging for CSK.
With 12 wickets from his last four ODIs, Nathan Ellis is making a strong case with his performances ahead of IPL 2027.
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