Chennai Super Kings have confirmed Australian pacer Spencer Johnson as the replacement for Nathan Ellis, who has been ruled out of IPL 2026 with a hamstring injury. Johnson comes in at a base price of Rs 1.5 crore and becomes the third IPL franchise of his career, having previously turned out for Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders.
The 28-year-old left-arm quick has played 13 international matches for Australia across both limited-overs formats, picking up 18 wickets in 5 ODIs and 8 T20Is. His most recent IPL stint with KKR last season was a quiet one, managing just a single wicket across four appearances.
Ellis’ absence is a notable setback for CSK. The right-arm pacer had been expected to be a key part of their bowling plans, and losing him before the tournament begins leaves the side light on proven firepower with the new ball and at the death.
With Johnson now in the mix, CSK’s pace resources include all-rounders Jamie Overton and Shivam Dube, New Zealand duo Zak Foulkes and Matt Henry, and uncapped Indian pacers Gurjanpreet Singh and Mukesh Chaudhary. Henry is the most experienced name on that list and is widely expected to lead the attack.
The core concern, however, remains at the death. CSK currently lack a specialist who has consistently proven themselves in the final overs at this level, and that is a gap the team management will be hoping Johnson or others can fill as the season progresses.
CSK open their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30.
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