Kolkata Knight Riders’ left-arm quick Spencer Johnson is unlikely to make a return for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season, should the tournament resume as expected. The Australian speedster has reportedly been ruled out due to a back injury that has kept him sidelined since April. The news, first reported by Daniel Cherny of Code Sports Australia, comes as a significant setback for KKR, who are still in with a faint chance of making the playoffs.
Johnson was picked up by the Knight Riders in the IPL 2025 mega auction with high hopes. However, the left-hander had a disappointing run in the tournament before its abrupt suspension on May 9. Featuring in just four matches, Johnson could only manage a solitary wicket while leaking runs at an economy rate of 11.73. With KKR already struggling for consistency, his performance did little to stabilise their campaign.
ALSO READ: AB de Villiers Reacts to Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement Amidst Praise from Gautam Gambhir
Following the suspension of the IPL due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, several overseas players—including Johnson—flew back home. According to Cherny, the pacer is unlikely to return to India even if the league resumes. “Spencer Johnson is unlikely to return to the IPL if it resumes in the next week or so. The KKR paceman has been dealing with a back injury and hasn’t played since last month,” he posted on X.
Spencer Johnson is unlikely to return to the IPL if it resumes in the next week or so. The KKR paceman has been dealing with a back injury and hasn’t played since last month. https://t.co/zd9X8U8Of6
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) May 12, 2025
KKR were due to face SunRisers Hyderabad on May 10 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 17—both key fixtures that could have defined their season. With 11 points from 12 games (five wins and six losses), Kolkata currently sit sixth on the points table. Even if they win their remaining games and reach 15 points, their playoff qualification will depend heavily on other results.
As per the latest updates, the BCCI is eyeing a restart between May 16 and May 30, now that a ceasefire has eased the geopolitical situation. Sixteen matches remain—including 12 league fixtures and four playoff games. The board is weighing options to shift venues, with Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru under consideration.
WATCH – DGMO Rajiv Ghai Salutes Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement With Touching Cricket Reference During Military Briefing
Originally, Hyderabad was slated to host Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator, with Kolkata hosting Qualifier 2 and the Final. However, Ahmedabad has emerged as a backup option to host the final, should security concerns persist. KKR’s hopes may be hanging by a thread—but for now, they’ll have to plan without Spencer Johnson.
