New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed Karnataka all-rounder Macneil Noronha as a replacement for the injured Ramakrishna Ghosh for the remainder of IPL 2026, as first reported by TimesofIndia.com. Ghosh suffered a right foot injury during CSK's match against Mumbai Indians on May 3 and has been ruled out for the season.
The IPL media release confirmed: "Chennai Super Kings have picked a player replacement for Ramakrishna Ghosh, who injured his right foot during their game against Mumbai Indians on May 3rd. He has been ruled out for the season. Macneil Noronha will join CSK for Rs 30 lakh as a replacement for Ghosh."
Who is Macneil Noronha?
Noronha, a 24-year-old all-rounder from Karnataka, recently received the MA Chidambaram Trophy at the BCCI Naman Awards for finishing as the highest run-scorer in the 2024-25 Colonel CK Nayudu Trophy (U-23). His consistent performances earned him a call-up to Karnataka's squad for the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he played three matches, scoring 58 runs and taking one wicket.
In the tournament, he also scored a quick 34 and took a wicket with his off-spin bowling against Tripura. Noronha had a productive season in the Maharaja Trophy, scoring 253 runs at a strike rate of 148.82 for the title-winning Mangaluru Dragons. He hit 19 sixes in 13 matches and contributed with the ball, taking 10 wickets with his off-spin at an economy rate of 7.44. He also registered figures of 2/25 in the final against Hubli Tigers.
CSK's Injury Woes
Ghosh's injury adds to CSK's growing injury list in IPL 2026. The franchise has already lost left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed and batter Ayush Mhatre for the season. Australian pacer Nathan Ellis was ruled out before the start of the season, while his replacement Spencer Johnson only recently returned from injury. Additionally, wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni has missed matches since the start of the season due to a calf strain.
Despite these setbacks, CSK remain in the playoff race with 12 points from 11 matches and are currently fifth on the points table. They will next face Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday.
