CSK sign Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis ruled out:David Pyne joins SRH for ₹1.5 crore, Saurabh Dubey replaced Akash Deep in KKR

As the IPL 2026 season approaches, teams are facing growing injury concerns with several players being ruled out. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have brought in Spencer Johnson as a replacement for the injured Nathan Ellis for ₹1.5 crore. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed Saurabh Dubey in place of Akash Deep, and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have added David Pyne to their squad, replacing injured Jack Edwards for the season. Despite these setbacks, excitement remains high as the tournament is set to begin with a marquee clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, marking the start of another thrilling IPL season. CSK sign Spencer Johnson for ₹1.5 crore Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have named Spencer Johnson as a replacement for the injured Nathan Ellis ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The Australian pacer has been signed for INR 1.5 crore as the franchise looks to strengthen its bowling unit. Johnson brings valuable experience, having played 13 international matches for Australia, including five ODIs and eight T20Is, picking up a total of 18 wickets. He is no stranger to the IPL either, having previously represented Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the tournament. Also read: Abhishek, Ishan, Head lead fiery batting, but bowling lacks sting: Can Sunrisers win a title after 10 years? SRH SWOT Analysis Saurabh Dubey joins KKR camp, replacing Akash Deep Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed Saurabh Dubey as a replacement for the injured Akash Deep for IPL 2026. Earlier, it was reported that the Indian pacer, who was signed for Rs 1 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, has been ruled out of the season.
KKR have been hit with a string of injuries this season. Harshit Rana, a key member of the Knight Riders outfit, won’t be taking part in this season as he is yet to gain full fitness after knee surgery. Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who was signed by KKR for Rs 18 crore at the IPL auction, won’t be available for a few matches as well. Also read: IPL media rights to remain stagnant at $5.4 billion: Why world’s biggest cricket league may suffer ₹16 crore loss per match value? SRH rope David Pyne for injured Jack Edwards David Payne has been signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as a replacement for the injured Jack Edwards. The England pacer, who has played one ODI and a vast number of T20 matches, brings significant experience with 304 wickets from 233 T20 games. He has joined the franchise for ₹1.5 crore. Meanwhile, Jack Edwards, a 25-year-old seam-bowling all-rounder, was bought by SRH for ₹3 crore in the previous auction and was expected to make his IPL debut this season. However, his debut will now be delayed due to injury. Notably, he was the only uncapped overseas player picked during the 2025 auction.