Match no. 33 of the 2026 IPL season will feature Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Mumbai Indians (MI). The fast bowler Spencer Johnson will return from injury and be available for selection for this match, which will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Johnson switched from the PSL to the IPL and will now represent CSK.
The bowling coach of CSK, Eric Simons, has indicated that Spencer Johnson may make the starting eleven as Khalil Ahmed is injured. CSK have suffered from a number of injuries throughout the season. In the previous game against KKR, Khaleel Ahmed was forced off the ground before completing his over. Bowling coach Eric Simons stated clearly a day before the match, "Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj have performed very well for us so far. Spencer Johnson (Khaleel's replacement) will be part of our starting XI for tomorrow's match (Thursday) night."
In addition to Spencer Johnson, former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni also appears to be returning to fitness. After missing the first six matches, he completed his first wicketkeeping session of IPL 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.
Chennai Super Kings are eighth in the points table with four losses in six matches. After suffering three consecutive defeats against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, the team won two matches against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. However, they then suffered a defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Mumbai Indians' performance has also been inconsistent this season. After opening the season with a win against the Kolkata Knight Riders, the team lost to Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Punjab Kings. With their second win against the Gujarat Titans, Mumbai is now looking to get back on track.
Playing in the IPL is a top priority for all players. Spencer Johnson, for this reason, rejected a higher salary offer in the Pakistan Super League, choosing the IPL. Johnson played for the Kolkata Knight Riders last season, taking just one wicket in four matches. Prior to that, he made his debut for the Gujarat Titans in 2024, taking four wickets in five matches.
Quetta Gladiators signed Johnson for 56 million Pakistani rupees (approximately 18.7 million Indian rupees), while Chennai Super Kings added him for 15 million rupees. This means he accepted a salary of 3.7 million rupees less than he was paid in the PSL.