Spencer Johnson ditches MS Dhoni’s CSK, set for delayed IPL 2026 arrival
Published - 25 Mar 2026, 01:32 PM | Updated - 25 Mar 2026, 02:35 PM
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) signed Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson as a replacement player for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, which is set to begin on March 28. However, the left-arm pacer will experience a significantly delayed arrival before officially joining MS Dhoni and the team.
Johnson replaced injured Nathan Ellis within the squad. The Super Kings franchise management secured him for ₹1.5 crore. Notably, the Quetta Gladiators had purchased the Australian fast bowler for the Pakistan Super League, but he withdrew from the tournament on March 15 due to personal reasons.
Spencer Johnson Set for Delayed Arrival for IPL 2026
The Chennai Super Kings recently released an official statement confirming the acquisition. The franchise welcomed Spencer Johnson from Australia while noting his delayed availability for the tournament.
The official statement confirmed that Johnson will join the squad between April 21 and April 23. The Chennai Super Kings management shared this update regarding the fast bowler’s arrival timeline.
"From Yellow to Yellove A pace boost arrives from Down Under Note: Spencer Johnson replaces Nathan Ellis. He is set to join the squad between April 21–23," the Chennai Super Kings stated on social media.
From Yellow to Yellove 💛
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 25, 2026
A pace boost arrives from Down Under 💪
Note: Spencer Johnson replaces Nathan Ellis.
He is set to join the squad between April 21–23.#WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/srdNbG81TW
Johnson previously represented Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League. The 30-year-old Australian bowler has taken five wickets in nine matches. He has also picked up 18 wickets in international cricket for Australia.
Spencer Johnson Joins Growing List of Players Leaving PSL for IPL 2026
Spencer Johnson has become the third major overseas player to leave the Pakistan Super League for the Indian Premier League this season. The Australian fast bowler’s switch highlights the growing trend of players prioritizing IPL contracts over PSL commitments.
Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani also pulled out of the PSL after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) signed him as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman.
Similarly, Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka withdrew from the PSL at the last moment. Rajasthan Royals (RR) signed him as a replacement after Sam Curran became unavailable for the IPL 2026 season.
CSK Blend Youth and Experience Ahead of IPL 2026 Campaign
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead a younger Chennai Super Kings squad this season. The franchise invested in uncapped talents like Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma. They also completed a major trade to bring in top-order batter Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals.
Former India player Krishnamachari Srikkanth backed MS Dhoni to continue performing behind the stumps, while Sanju Samson adds flexibility to the lineup when Dhoni requires rest.
Spencer Johnson will strengthen a pace attack that includes Khaleel Ahmed, Matt Henry, and Jamie Overton. His left-arm angle helps Henry, especially in away matches, while he is expected to take responsibility in the death overs during challenging conditions.
After finishing at the bottom last season, Chennai Super Kings needed a reset. By combining young talent with experienced players, Ruturaj Gaikwad will aim to guide the team back into title contention this year.
Also read: New Rajasthan Royals owners want Yashasvi Jaiswal as captain over Riyan Parag? Here’s the truth
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Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla...
