Chennai Super Kings have moved to bolster their squad for the rest of IPL 2026 by signing Karnataka all-rounder Macneil Hadley Noronha as cover for the injured Ramakrishna Ghosh. The five-time champions have already written to the BCCI and are waiting for the required approval before the deal can be formally completed, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed.
Deal in progress: CSK’s call for Noronha
Noronha, 24, has been brought in as a like-for-like replacement for Ghosh, with CSK currently in the process of securing final clearance from the board. Until that nod arrives, the franchise is understood to be holding the signing in a pending state.
Noronha’s recent form in domestic cricket
The Karnataka all-rounder arrives with momentum from the Maharaja Trophy, where he played a key role for Mangaluru Dragons during their title-winning 2025 campaign. His batting and bowling contributions stood out across the tournament, making him a strong all-round option for the franchise.
- Noronha scored 253 runs across 13 matches at a strike rate of 148.82.
- His hitting included 19 sixes during the season.
- With the ball, he produced offspin spells and finished with 10 wickets at an economy rate of 7.44.
- His best bowling figures were 2 for 25, delivered in the final against Hubli Tigers.
Path to selection: from Syed Mushtaq Ali to IPL 2026 replacement
Before this latest opportunity, Noronha earned a call-up to the Karnataka squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he appeared in three games. That exposure has helped keep him in the frame as CSK look for depth and impact in the ongoing tournament cycle.
Injury blow for CSK and the replacements they’ve already made
Noronha’s arrival comes after Ghosh was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a foot fracture. The injury occurred during CSK’s IPL debut match for Ghosh against Mumbai Indians on May 3, ending his campaign early.
CSK’s season has been affected by multiple setbacks, despite a strong recovery in the second half of the schedule. They have lost key contributors to season-ending injuries, including:
- Khaleel Ahmed, their lead Indian pace option
- Ayush Mhatre, a star batter
They had also started the campaign without Nathan Ellis, and while Spencer Johnson was named as his replacement, he was unable to join immediately due to a separate injury. In addition, MS Dhoni has been absent from the side since the start of the season while managing a calf strain.
To adjust their batting options, CSK replaced Mhatre with Akash Madhwal. However, they have not yet confirmed a replacement for Khaleel Ahmed, leaving one spot still to be filled as the franchise navigates the remainder of the IPL 2026 season.
