IPL 2026: CSK sign Spencer Johnson for Rs 1.5 crore to replace injured Nathan Ellis

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed Australian pacer Spencer Johnson as a replacement for injured teammate Nathan Ellis ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League.

Johnson has been roped in at a price of ₹1.5 crore, the franchise confirmed, filling the gap left by Ellis, who has been ruled out due to injury.

The left-arm fast bowler brings international experience to the squad, having represented Australia national cricket team in 13 matches, including five One Day Internationals and eight T20 Internationals, picking up a total of 18 wickets.


Also read: CSK inducts legends Suresh Raina, Matthew Hayden into first-ever Hall of Fame

Johnson is no stranger to the IPL, having previously featured for Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders, adding familiarity with Indian conditions to his profile.

The signing comes as CSK look to bolster their pace attack ahead of the new season, with the franchise aiming to maintain balance in their bowling unit following Ellis’ absence.

On Sunday, CSK celebrated its legacy by inducting franchise stalwarts Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden into its first-ever Hall of Fame during the “Roar'26” fan event at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Raina, a cornerstone of CSK since the inaugural 2008 season until 2021, played a key role in four title-winning campaigns in 2010, 2011, 2018 and 2021.

Popularly known as ‘Chinna Thala’, he was also part of the franchise’s Champions League T20 triumphs in 2010 and 2014, earning the Player of the Tournament award in the latter edition after scoring 234 runs.

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He remains CSK’s highest run-scorer, amassing 5,529 runs, including two centuries and 38 half-centuries.

Hayden, who represented CSK between 2008 and 2010, was part of the side’s 2010 IPL title-winning squad. The former Australian opener also won the Orange Cap in 2009 after scoring 572 runs, becoming the first CSK player to achieve the feat. He finished his stint with 1,117 runs for the franchise, including eight half-centuries.

Several former CSK players, including Muttiah Muralitharan, Ambati Rayudu, Lakshmipathy Balaji, S Badrinath and Michael Hussey, were also present at the event.