Ex-KKR Star Spencer Johnson Quits PSL, Joins CSK As Nathan Ellis’ Replacement For IPL 2026

Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have roped in Australian pacer Spencer Johnson as a substitute for Nathan Ellis, who has been dominated out of the entire event because of a hamstring damage. Earlier, Johnson had signed for the Quetta Gladiators for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 season, however he pulled out simply earlier than the event. The information was made official on March 15, and Johnson cited private causes for leaving the PSL. Johnson, who has performed 13 worldwide video games – 5 ODIs and eight T20Is – for Australia & has 18 worldwide wickets towards his title, has beforehand represented Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL.

“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,” IPL’s official assertion learn.

Playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) within the final season, Spencer Johnson performed solely 4 video games all through the marketing campaign. He took 1 wicket, and his finest figures have been 1/42. During the IPL 2024 season, he performed 5 matches for the Gujarat Titans, taking 4 wickets with an financial system fee of 9.4.

Johnson has a giant duty to fill within the sneakers of Ellis, who has taken 19 wickets from 17 IPL matches, was purchased by CSK for Rs 2 crore on the 2025 mega public sale after 4 seasons with Punjab Kings, and was retained forward of the 2026 season.

The 31-year-old, who was in nice contact for Australia previously 12 months, was anticipated to play a giant function for the franchise after they let go of their prime bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who will now play for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) within the upcoming season.

CSK will open their marketing campaign within the IPL 2026 on March 30 once they tackle the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. They will then host Punjab Kings on April 3 and Delhi Capitals on April 11 at their residence floor, M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, earlier than going to Bengaluru for the competition towards defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 5.

CSK completed final within the IPL 2025. They gained simply 4 out of the 14 matches and have been the primary group to get eradicated from the playoff race.

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