- By Sports desk
- Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:32 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Australia speedster Spencer Johnson is likely to play a key role for Chennai Super Kings in their important IPL 2026 match against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. The team’s bowling coach, Eric Simmons, has hinted that Johnson could be included in the playing XI because of an injury to Khaleel Ahmed.
Khaleel was unable to complete his overs in CSK’s last match against Kolkata Knight Riders, which forced the team to look at other options. With injuries already affecting their campaign, Johnson could now get his chance to step in. Apart from that, there were reports earlier this legendary wicketkeeper batter MS Dhoni will also feature against MI for the first time in the ongoing edition of the IPL.
Speaking before the match, Simmons said, “Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj have been really good for us. Spencer Johnson (Khaleel's replacement) will be in our starting XI tomorrow night."
CSK's IPL 2026 performance
CSK have had a tough season so far. They started with three straight losses against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). They managed to bounce back with wins over Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but then lost again by 10 runs to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
There is also some positive news for CSK, as former captain MS Dhoni has started light training. He was seen doing wicketkeeping practice at the Wankhede Stadium after missing the first six matches of the season.
At the moment, CSK are placed eighth on the points table with just two wins from six matches. Their upcoming game against Mumbai Indians on April 23 is very important as they look to turn things around.
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MI's performance in IPL 2026
Mumbai Indians have also had an up-and-down season. They began with a win over KKR but then lost several matches against Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Punjab Kings. They finally got back to winning ways with a strong performance against Gujarat Titans.