Chennai Super Kings, five-time IPL champions, have reportedly moved to secure Karnataka all-rounder Macneil Hadley Noronha as cover for the rest of IPL 2026 after Ramakrishna Ghosh suffered an injury. Ghosh’s campaign is set to end prematurely due to a fracture in his right foot, leaving CSK to search for another option in the middle of an already turbulent season. The development follows a setback that occurred during the team’s home fixture against Mumbai Indians on May 2, a match that was also Ghosh’s IPL debut.
CSK’s pursuit of Noronha is said to be in progress with the formalities still underway. A report noted that the franchise has written to the BCCI and is awaiting approval before the signing can be finalised, with CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirming that the process is ongoing. The move is aimed at strengthening the squad’s all-round balance while Ghosh remains sidelined for the remainder of the tournament.
Noronha, 24, arrives with momentum from his recent performances in domestic T20 cricket. He enjoyed a standout title-winning run with the Mangaluru Dragons in the Maharaja Trophy in 2025, where his batting impact was matched by his ability to contribute with the ball. As a batter known for striking power, he amassed 253 runs across 13 matches at a strike rate of 148.82, including 19 sixes during the campaign. He also rolled his arm over as an off-spin option, claiming 10 wickets at an economy rate of 7.44. His most productive spell came in the final against Hubli Tigers, where he recorded figures of 2 for 25.
His domestic performances earned him a call-up to the Karnataka squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he featured in three matches. While his IPL availability now becomes part of CSK’s immediate planning, his recent form suggests he could offer the franchise a blend of aggressive batting and part-time bowling—qualities that CSK will likely prioritise as they attempt to steady their season.
For Ghosh, the injury story began during CSK’s clash with Mumbai Indians at Chepauk. In the only match he played, he made a notable impression with a sharp diving catch to dismiss Will Jacks. However, after a tumbling moment during his follow-through while bowling to Naman Dhir, his physical condition appeared to deteriorate, and that incident is believed to have played a role in the injury that followed.
CSK later confirmed that Ramakrishna Ghosh sustained a fracture to his right foot in the CSK vs MI match at Chepauk and will not feature again in IPL 2026. The franchise also sent a message wishing him a speedy recovery, with the tone reflecting the disappointment of losing a young player so soon after his introduction to the league.
The setback was also discussed by head coach Stephen Fleming during the post-match press interaction. He expressed frustration that the injury arrived toward the end of Ghosh’s run, while also highlighting how quickly the youngster has developed. Fleming said that Ghosh’s progress in recent weeks had been visible, adding that the training environment at the academy—across two grounds—has helped him prepare consistently. He further pointed to Ghosh’s batting improvement as a key positive, noting that the player can bat well enough to genuinely be considered an all-rounder.
With Ghosh ruled out, CSK’s injury problems continue to pile up during a highly disrupted season. The franchise has already had to manage multiple sidelining events in recent weeks, including the loss of key Indian bowler Khaleel Ahmed and a promising batter in Ayush Mhatre. Even before the season fully began, CSK’s pace options were limited, with Nathan Ellis sidelined and Spencer Johnson only becoming available recently after recovering from injury.
Compounding matters, MS Dhoni has also been absent as he deals with a calf strain that has been affecting him since the start of the campaign. As another key player is now added to the treatment list, CSK’s squad depth will face further strain, and the franchise’s challenge in IPL 2026 will become even sharper as it tries to navigate a schedule without yet another important contributor.
