Chennai Super Kings are expected to turn to Karnataka batter Macneil Hadley Noronha as an injury replacement for Ramakrishna Ghosh for the remainder of the IPL 2026 season. The move comes after CSK suffered yet another significant blow during a campaign already heavily disrupted by injuries, with Ghosh ruled out of the tournament following their game against Mumbai Indians on May 2. The all-rounder’s departure was prompted by a foot fracture, leaving the franchise to search for a fresh option to plug the gap.
Noronha, 24, has been on CSK’s radar after a strong run in domestic cricket. In the 2024-25 C.K. Nayudu Trophy, he delivered standout performances that included two triple centuries—one against Uttarakhand and another versus Tripura—during a season that underlined his ability to take control of matches. He also attended trials with multiple franchises, including Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians and CSK, making an impression through his trial outings.
His C.K. Nayudu Trophy run was particularly impressive at the top end of the batting charts. The right-handed batter accumulated 1,037 runs across eight matches to finish as the tournament’s leading run-scorer. The form earned him recognition beyond domestic competition as well, with a call-up to the Rest of India Under-23 squad following those performances.
Noronha also carries recent experience from title-winning sides. He was part of the Mangalore Dragons, who won the Maharaja Cup, and he contributed with the ball in the final by taking two wickets as the team lifted the trophy.
In the shortest format, Noronha has already made a start with Karnataka in T20 cricket, having featured in three matches so far. Across those appearances, he has scored 58 runs and picked up one wicket, giving CSK an option who can contribute in more than one way depending on match conditions and team combinations.
For CSK, the Noronha potential arrival is the latest chapter in a season marked by recurring injury concerns. The franchise began IPL 2026 without senior pacer Nathan Ellis, who was ruled out due to injury before the campaign could fully get underway. Captain MS Dhoni, who has led CSK to five IPL titles, has also not featured yet this season, with his absence continuing as he recovers from a calf problem.
Other early setbacks also affected CSK’s balance. South African batter Dewald Brevis missed the first few games because of a side strain before returning to the playing XI. In addition, the team lost Indian pacer Khaleel Ahmed and young batter Ayush Mhatre to injuries, and now Ramakrishna Ghosh has become the newest name added to the growing list.
