Chennai: Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have reportedly moved to strengthen their injury-hit squad by signing Karnataka all-rounder Macneil Hadley Noronha as a replacement for Ramakrishna Ghosh ahead of the final phase of the IPL 2026 league stage.

According to reports, the franchise has approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for approval to complete the signing, with only three matches remaining in the league phase. The development comes as CSK continue to battle multiple injuries in what has been a challenging campaign.

Ghosh ruled out after foot fracture

Ramakrishna Ghosh has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 after sustaining a fracture in his right foot during CSK’s home fixture against Mumbai Indians on May 2. The match also marked his IPL debut.

The young all-rounder had impressed briefly in that game, notably taking a sharp diving catch to dismiss Will Jacks. However, he appeared to struggle physically after an awkward landing in his bowling follow-through, which is believed to have caused the injury.

In an official statement, CSK confirmed the setback: “Ramakrishna Ghosh sustained a fracture to his right foot during the CSK vs MI match at Chepauk. He will take no further part in IPL 2026.”

The injury has come as a significant blow to the team, especially given Ghosh’s promising performances in training and his potential as a developing all-rounder.

Noronha earns opportunity after strong domestic show

Macneil Hadley Noronha, a 24-year-old all-rounder from Karnataka, is set to join the squad as a replacement. He caught attention with his performances in the Maharaja Trophy, where he played a key role in the Mangaluru Dragons’ title-winning 2025 campaign.

Noronha scored 253 runs in 13 matches at an impressive strike rate of 148.82, showcasing his ability as a powerful middle-order hitter. His tally included 19 sixes, underlining his aggressive batting style.

In addition to his batting, Noronha contributed with the ball as an off-spinner, picking up 10 wickets at an economy rate of 7.44. His standout performance came in the final, where he registered figures of 2 for 25.

His consistent performances earned him a call-up to the Karnataka squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he featured in three matches, further strengthening his credentials.

Fleming praises Ghosh despite setback

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming expressed disappointment over Ghosh’s injury but praised the youngster’s rapid development and growing all-round abilities.

“His improvement in recent weeks has been noticeable. He has been training really well at our academy sessions,” Fleming said. “It’s disappointing that he got injured at this stage, but he has shown he can contribute with both bat and ball.”

Fleming also highlighted Ghosh’s batting progress, suggesting that the player had evolved into a genuine all-round option for the team before his untimely injury.

Injury crisis continues to trouble CSK

Ghosh’s absence adds to a growing list of injury concerns for CSK this season. The franchise has already been dealing with multiple setbacks, including injuries to key players such as Khaleel Ahmed and young batter Ayush Mhatre.

Their pace attack was weakened even before the tournament began, with Australian bowler Nathan Ellis ruled out due to injury. His replacement, Spencer Johnson, also faced fitness issues and was unavailable for a significant part of the campaign.

To compound matters further, veteran star MS Dhoni has been managing a calf strain since the start of the season, limiting his availability and impact.

These repeated setbacks have tested CSK’s squad depth and forced the management to continually reshuffle combinations in a bid to remain competitive.

Crucial phase ahead for CSK

With only three matches remaining in the league stage, CSK find themselves in a tight playoff race, where every game carries immense importance. The addition of Noronha could provide fresh energy and balance to the side as they look to overcome their injury challenges.

While it remains to be seen how quickly the young all-rounder adapts to the pressures of the IPL, his recent domestic performances suggest he could be a valuable asset.

Conclusion: Fresh hope amid adversity

As Chennai Super Kings navigate a difficult season marked by injuries and inconsistency, the signing of Macneil Hadley Noronha offers a glimmer of hope. With the playoffs race intensifying, CSK will be banking on new faces and resilient performances to keep their campaign alive.