IPL 2026: CSK rope in Spencer Johnson as replacement for Nathan Ellis

Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed Australian pacer Spencer Johnson for Rs 1.5 Crore. He replaces fellow countryman Nathan Ellis, who has been ruled out of the upcoming IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury.

Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have named speedster Spencer Johnson as a replacement for injured Nathan Ellis for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Johnson will join CSK for Rs 1.5 Crore as a replacement for Ellis, who is ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.

Spencer Johnson's Profile

Johnson, who has played 13 international games (5 ODIs and 8 T20Is) for Australia and has 18 international wickets against his name, has previously represented the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL.

Impact of Ellis' Absence

Having developed a reputation as one of the finest bowlers in the T20 circuit with an exceptional skillset for death overs, Nathan Ellis' absence will no doubt leave a dent in CSK's title chances.

Official IPL Statement

"Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have picked a player replacement for injured Nathan Ellis for the upcoming TATA Indian Premier League (IPL). Spencer Johnson will join CSK for INR 1.5 Crore as a replacement for Ellis. Johnson, who has played 13 international games - 5 ODIs and 8 T20Is - for Australia & has 18 international wickets against his name, has previously represented Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL," IPL's official statement read.

CSK's Revamped Pace Attack

With Ellis out of the squad, the pace options left with CSK apart from Johnson are: All-rounders Jamie Overton and Shivam Dube, New Zealand's Zak Foulkes, uncapped Indian pacers Gurjanpreet Singh and Mukesh Chaudhary and New Zealand stalwart Matt Henry.

Henry looks all set to lead the Super Kings' pace battery, but CSK do not have a well-proven death overs specialist in their squad.

Johnson's Previous IPL Stint

Playing for the three-time IPL champions KKR in the last season, Johnson played only 4 games throughout the campaign and took 1 wicket, with best figures of 1/42.

CSK's Opening Match

CSK will start their season on March 30 against the inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals, at Guwahati. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)