Overview
- CSK, which confirmed the signing on Tuesday, brought in the Australian left-arm quick for Rs 1.5 crore after Ellis was ruled out with a recurring hamstring injury.
- The franchise said Johnson will join the squad around April 21–23, so he will miss the opening weeks including the March 30 game against Rajasthan Royals.
- South Australia coach Ryan Harris said the stress fracture in Johnson’s back has healed and estimated his workload at about 60% as he builds up to competitive bowling.
- Johnson earlier withdrew from the Pakistan Super League with Quetta Gladiators citing personal reasons, and PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi has threatened legal action against players who leave the PSL for IPL deals.
- Early overs are set to fall to Matt Henry, Zak Foulkes and Jamie Overton, with Indian quicks for support, in a market where many potential replacements are tied up in the PSL and injuries have stretched squads.