CSK bring in Australian pacer as replacement for injured Nathan Ellis
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed Spencer Johnson as a replacement for injured pacer Nathan Ellis ahead of IPL 2026. Ellis, ruled out with a hamstring injury, was expected to lead the attack, making his absence a big setback. Johnson, with international and IPL experience, joins for Rs 1.
5 crore as CSK look to fill the gap and stay competitive.
NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made a late squad change ahead of IPL 2026 after Australian pacer Nathan Ellis was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Ellis, who was expected to lead the bowling attack, leaves behind a significant gap just before the season begins. CSK have now signed Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson as his replacement for Rs 1.
5 crore. Johnson brings some international experience, having played limited-overs cricket for Australia, and has also featured in the IPL earlier with Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders. Ellis’s absence is a big blow for CSK, especially with the team already missing key pacer Matheesha Pathirana.
He had been retained for Rs 2 crore and had a decent IPL record, picking up 19 wickets in 17 matches. His experience was expected to be crucial for the team’s pace attack this season. Earlier, there was uncertainty around the replacement, with a franchise official saying, “Yes, he is out.