CSK Sign Spencer Johnson as Replacement for Ellis Chennai Super Kings have confirmed the signing of fast bowler Spencer Johnson as a replacement for injured all-rounder Dwayne Ellis. The five-time IPL champions have moved swiftly to secure Johnson, who previously played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2025 season, following Ellis's withdrawal from the tournament. Ellis, 31, was ruled out of the entire campaign after sustaining a recurrence of a hamstring injury during a domestic one-day final on March 11. Johnson, who has represented Australia in 13 T20 Internationals, has accumulated 14 wickets at an economy rate of 8.96 across eight matches in the format. His IPL career includes five wickets at an average of 56.80 and an economy rate of 10.39. The right-arm pace bowler will join CSK on a contract worth INR 1.5 crore, marking a significant investment in his services. The acquisition comes after Johnson was initially announced as a direct signing by Pakistan Super League franchise Quetta Gladiators. However, he later withdrew from the PSL citing personal reasons, prompting the Gladiators to replace him with Alzarri Joseph. Johnson's inclusion in the CSK squad is set to bolster their bowling options ahead of the 2026 IPL season. CSK's campaign will commence with a match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30. The team's swift action to secure Johnson underscores the competitive nature of the IPL, where injuries and scheduling challenges often necessitate last-minute replacements. The signing also highlights the growing importance of fast bowlers in the tournament, as teams continue to prioritize pace and power in their strategies.#chennai_super_kings #ipl #spencer_johnson #dwayne_ellis #quetta_gladiators
