Spencer Johnson to CSK (2026): Chennai Super Kings has brought in Spencer Johnson—a compatriot of the injured Nathan Ellis—to take his place. Johnson has effectively replaced Ellis in the squad. Yet another overseas player has snubbed the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to make an entry into the IPL 2026. Following Blessing Muzarabani and Dasun Shanaka, Spencer Johnson has become the third player to turn down a PSL contract in favor of joining the IPL. The Australian fast bowler has officially joined the Chennai Super Kings. He steps into the CSK squad to fill the spot left vacant by Nathan Ellis, who has been ruled out for the entire season due to a hamstring injury. Spencer Johnson was originally slated to play for the Quetta Gladiators in the PSL 2026, but he withdrew his name from the tournament, citing personal reasons. It is worth noting that Johnson has previously been a part of the squads for both the Gujarat Titans and the Kolkata Knight Riders. Johnson is set to receive ₹1.5 crore for his participation in the IPL 2026. Johnson consistently bowls at speeds ranging between 140 and 150 km/h. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall, he has a proven track record of unsettling even the most accomplished batsmen with his sheer pace and bounce. So far in his IPL career, Johnson has played 9 matches and claimed 5 wickets. Last season, he played for the Kolkata Knight Riders but managed to take only one wicket across four matches. Chennai Super Kings had hoped that Nathan Ellis would step into the role previously held by Matheesha Pathirana—who moved to KKR—but Ellis suffered an injury before the season even began. Now, it appears that Spencer Johnson will be the one shouldering that very responsibility. In the IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings will play their opening match against the Rajasthan Royals on March 30. This match is scheduled to take place in Guwahati. It is scheduled to play matches against Punjab Kings on April 3, Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 5, and then Delhi Capitals on April 11. The CSK team finished at the bottom of the points table last season.
