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MS Dhoni for Chennai Super Kings - (Source: AFP)
On Tuesday, March 24, Chennai Super Kings made official announcement revealing replacement for injured Nathan Ellis who won't take part in IPL 2026. The Australia seamer, who was bought for 1.5 crores, suffered injury during training.
Notably, Chennai Super Kings roped in ex-KKR star Spencer Johnson as official replacement for Nathan Ellis. The left-arm seamer will earn 1.5 crores, the same amount for which Ellis was bought during IPL 2026 mini-auction.
Spencer Johnson Ditches PSL To Return To IPL
Spencer Johnson featured for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 where he featured in just four innings. He had a poor season as he picked up a solitary wicket and failed to justify his 2.80 crore price tag.
Therefore, it is a surprise to many that the five-time winners have gone ahead with Spencer Johnson as Ellis' replacement. Notably, Johnson was part of PSL 2026 where he signed for Quetta Gladiators. However, he pulled out of the tournament on March 15 citing personal reasons.
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Johnson has become the latest player after Blessing Muzarabani and Dasun Shanaka to ditch their PSL contracts and join IPL for the upcoming season.
Spencer Johnson's Injury A Concern For Chennai Super Kings
It has come as a surprise for many CSK fans to see Johnson returning to IPL. Notably, the left-arm seamer has not played a single game since IPL 2025. It has been nearly a year since Spencer Johnson played a professional game.
The 30-year-old has been struggling with injuries and was set to return to action with BBL 2025 but suffered a back injury, ruling him out of Australia's premier T20 league. Therefore, the Super Kings have taken a big gamble by roping in Johnson as Nathan Ellis' replacement for IPL 2026.
There are reports that Johnson is yet to receive a fitness NOC from Cricket Australia, which means that he might not be available for selection for the first few games for Chennai Super Kings.
Chennai Super Kings Ditches Interest In Ottniel Baartman
Before the official announcement, there were reports that Chennai Super Kings might rope in Ottniel Baartman as the replacement for Nathan Ellis. However, the reports resulted to be untrue as the five-time winners showed no interest in South Africa international.
Notably, Baartman has bee more active than Spencer Johnson in the past year. He played 5 T20I games in 2025 and picked up 5 wickets. His last appearance was against New Zealand where he took five wickets in three innings.
Therefore, it is a big surprise that CSK didn't go after Baartman, who too has pulled out of PSL due to personal reasons. Talking about the five-time winners, they will start their IPL 2026 season by locking horns against RR on March 30.
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