CSK bring in Spencer Johnson for Jamie Overton; LSG ring in multiple changes

Chennai Super Kings handed Australian left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson his debut as they faced Lucknow Super Giants in a crucial IPL 2026 clash in Lucknow on Friday.

Johnson replaced the injured Jamie Overton in the CSK playing XI, while Gurjapneet Singh also returned to the side. Akeal Hosein missed out.

The Australian quick returned to top-level cricket after recovering from a back injury that had earlier ruled him out of the T20 World Cup and the Big Bash League. Johnson had not played competitive cricket since IPL 2025.

At the toss, LSG captain Rishabh Pant won and opted to bowl first on what he described as a “tacky” surface. Pant said the pitch could assist bowlers early on and admitted the franchise was already looking ahead after crashing out of playoff contention.

“We are going to bowl first. The wicket looks a bit tacky,” Pant said. “We are out of the tournament, so it’s about planning for the future and giving opportunities.”

LSG made multiple changes, with Akash Singh playing his first match of the season against his former franchise. Abdul Samad and Mukul Choudhary also returned to the XI.

CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad said his side was comfortable batting first and noted there was moisture in the surface. Chennai entered the game fifth on the points table with six wins from 11 matches, knowing a victory would strengthen their playoff push.

LSG, meanwhile, sat bottom of the standings with only three wins from 11 games and had only pride left to play for, along with the chance to hurt CSK’s top-four hopes.

Chennai Super Kings XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Spencer Johnson, Mukesh Choudhary.

Lucknow Super Giants XI: Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (wk/c), Mukul Choudhary, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, Akash Maharaj Singh, Prince Yadav.