CSK Announce Spencer Johnson as Nathan Ellis Replacement for IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings sign Spencer Johnson as a replacement for injured Nathan Ellis, adding left-arm pace depth ahead of IPL 2026.

Chennai Super Kings have officially signed Australian left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson as the replacement for injured fast bowler Nathan Ellis ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The franchise will pay INR 1.5 Crore for the services of the 30-year-old Johnson, who will join the squad at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Nathan Ellis, the right-arm pacer known for his exceptional death-over skills and yorkers, was ruled out of the entire IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury. Ellis had previously featured for Punjab Kings in 16 IPL matches, picking up 18 wickets, before joining CSK. In IPL 2025, he played just one game for the Super Kings, taking a solitary wicket.

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His absence created a significant void in CSK’s pace attack, particularly in the death overs, where the five-time champions rely on precise variations and high-pressure bowling.

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Spencer Johnson brings a different dimension as a left-arm fast bowler capable of generating swing with both new and old balls while consistently clocking speeds above 140 kmph. Born on December 16, 1995, Johnson has represented Australia in 5 ODIs and 8 T20Is, claiming 4 wickets in ODIs at an average of 59.00 and 14 wickets in T20Is at an impressive average of 17.07 with a strike rate of 11.43.

His standout international performance came on November 16, 2024, against Pakistan in a T20I, where he registered his maiden five-wicket haul with figures of 5/26 in just four overs. This achievement highlighted his ability to trouble top-order batters with pace and movement.

In the IPL, Johnson has prior experience with two franchises. He was first picked by Gujarat Titans and later represented Kolkata Knight Riders in 2025, where he was acquired for INR 2.8 Crore. Across his 9 IPL matches to date, Johnson has taken 5 wickets at an average of 56.80 and an economy of 10.39, with a best of 2/25.