Kolkata Knight Riders made a solitary change in their playing XI for the high-octane clash against Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday, bringing in Spencer Johnson in place of Moeen Ali. The left-arm quick, roped in as a replacement for Mitchell Starc—who was traded to Delhi Capitals—has struggled to find rhythm so far in IPL 2025.
Johnson, known for his express pace, featured in KKR’s first three games but returned disappointing figures—conceding 87 runs and managing just a solitary wicket. After being dropped for the previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Aussie pacer was handed another opportunity at Eden Gardens. However, the story remained unchanged. In his three overs, Johnson gave away 46 runs at an economy of over 15, failing to make any impact with the ball.
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Fans were quick to express their frustration online, questioning the logic behind persisting with Johnson. Many turned their attention to South African speedster Anrich Nortje, who has been warming the bench despite bowling full tilt in the nets.
Spencer Johnson, man, it’s been ugly and brainless bowling. Absolutely zero application of mind.
— Jaanvi🏏 (@that_shutterbug) April 8, 2025
Spencer Johnson has played his last match for KKR this season.
— कट्टर KKR समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) April 8, 2025
“Upgrade over Starc,” they said.
Spencer Johnson said hold my Dinda Academy certificate: 2-0-30-0 like a true legend! 😹😹 pic.twitter.com/6m9lteIxCv
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) April 8, 2025
Spencer Johnson has disappointed a lot. Hopefully there’s a Starc level redemption written somewhere
— Yash (@iam_yashhh) April 8, 2025
Please nobody give me this “anyone can have a bad day” crap. We are yet to see a decent performance from Spencer Johnson and one third of the season is already over. Nortje and Moeen are both better choices.
— Sudipto Roy (@sudipto21) April 8, 2025
It is still a million dollar question that why Nortje is not playing and Spencer Johnson is getting matches, despite back-to-back failures. He’s no Starc who’ll come back in the playoffs with swag.#KKRvLSG
— RC Rajashik (@iamrajashik) April 8, 2025
Nortje, who missed the ICC Champions Trophy due to a back injury, is reportedly close to match fitness. However, KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo offered only a vague update, saying, “He’s the leader of our fast bowling group. The physio knows best, but he’s getting close. His work ethic has been top-notch.”
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Meanwhile, KKR bowlers had a night to forget as LSG batters ran riot. Mitchell Marsh smashed 81, while Nicholas Pooran blazed his way to an unbeaten 87 off just 36 deliveries, helping LSG post a mammoth 238/3. The pair combined for 170 runs across two partnerships, leaving KKR’s bowlers searching for answers and Johnson’s place in the XI under further scrutiny.
