IPL 2026: Former KKR pacer set to join CSK on this date

The bowling department of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is about to get a boost, as a renowned Australian pacer is all set to join the team for the IPL 2026 season. The pacer, whose deliveries clock 150 KMPH, missed the early few matches of the ongoing league, but is expected to join CSK soon. 

Like multiple other franchises, CSK’s original plan for the IPL 2026 was also hit hard by injury reasons. Nathan Ellis, who was expected to be the frontline pacer for the team in Yellow, has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. As his replacement, the 5-time IPL champions confirmed the signing of another Australian pacer, Spencer Johnson. 

When will Spencer Johnson join CSK?

Johnson, who has a history of back injury, has yet to join the Chennai Super Kings for the ongoing season. The fast bowler is not playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the early stages of IPL 2026 because he is recovering from a serious back stress fracture, requiring a rehabilitation period. 

According to the latest reports, Johnson is expected to join the team on April 25-26, ahead of the Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings match, which is scheduled to be played on April 26 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. He may not be instantly available to play matches as soon as after joining the team. 

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The pacer was about to play in the Pakistan Super League 

Spencer Johnson was about to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for the Quetta Gladiators. But pulled himself out from the PSL 2026 and proved most of the speculations right, joined the Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings. 
The 30-year-old left-arm pacer has experience in playing the league. In the past, he has had stints with the Gujarat Titans and the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Along with the ability to generate a sheer amount of pace, Johnson is well-known for swinging the ball in both ways, both with the new and old ball in hand. 
However, his IPL stats are not enough to justify his talent. He took only 5 wickets, including a best figure of 2/25 after featuring in 9 IPL innings for an economy rate of 10.39. 

Went unsold in the IPL 2026 auction 

In the 2025 season, the Aussie speed-star featured for the Kolkata Knight Riders to play only 4 matches. In those 4 IPL 2025 games for the Knight Riders, he claimed only one wicket, conceding an economy rate of 11.73. With these underwhelming stats,

Spencer Johnson remained unsold in the IPL 2026 mini auction and then joined the PSL franchise Quetta Gladiators. The injury of Nathan Ellis again opened the door for him to make a return in the Indian Premier League. 

If the latest reports are to be believed true then the seamer is expected to be available to play for CSK at least after May 6. As of now, Johnson's last competitive match was in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 8, 2025. Following that match, he suffered a back injury.