Chennai: Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings are set to sign Karnataka all-rounder Macneil Hadley Noronha as a replacement for injured player Ramakrishna Ghosh for the remainder of IPL 2026.
According to reports, CSK have already written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeking approval to complete the signing.
CSK chief executive officer Kasi Viswanathan reportedly confirmed that the franchise is awaiting formal clearance before finalising the move.
Ghosh ruled out with foot fracture
Ramakrishna Ghosh suffered a fracture in his right foot during Chennai Super Kings’ home match against Mumbai Indians on May 2.
The match also marked Ghosh’s IPL debut.
Although he impressed with a sharp diving catch to dismiss Will Jacks, the youngster appeared to suffer discomfort after falling awkwardly during his bowling follow-through while delivering to Naman Dhir.
CSK later confirmed the injury in an official statement.
“Ramakrishna Ghosh sustained a fracture to his right foot during the CSK v MI match at Chepauk. He will take no further part in IPL 2026. Get well soon, Rambo,” the franchise stated.
Noronha impressed in Maharaja Trophy
The 24-year-old Noronha comes into contention after an impressive domestic season with Mangaluru Dragons during their title-winning 2025 Maharaja Trophy campaign.
A hard-hitting batter and useful off-spinner, Noronha scored 253 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 148.82.
His explosive batting included 19 sixes during the tournament.
He also contributed effectively with the ball, claiming 10 wickets at an economy rate of 7.44.
One of his standout performances came in the final against Hubli Tigers, where he registered figures of 2 for 25.
His performances earned him a call-up to Karnataka’s squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he featured in three matches.
Fleming praises injured all-rounder
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming expressed disappointment over Ghosh’s injury while also praising the youngster’s rapid development.
“His improvement in recent weeks has been noticeable. He has been training really well at our academy sessions,” Fleming said.
The former New Zealand captain added that Ghosh had shown promising growth as a genuine all-rounder.
“He can bat, and bat well, which is an area of big improvement. So he can genuinely be called an all-rounder,” Fleming noted.
Injury-hit CSK facing difficult season
Chennai Super Kings have endured a difficult IPL 2026 campaign plagued by multiple injury setbacks.
The franchise has already lost Indian pacer Khaleel Ahmed and young batter Ayush Mhatre during the season.
Their fast-bowling resources were further weakened after overseas pacer Nathan Ellis was ruled out before the tournament, while replacement player Spencer Johnson remained unavailable for a period due to injury concerns.
The team has also been managing the fitness of veteran captain MS Dhoni, who has reportedly been dealing with a calf strain since the start of the season.
With injuries continuing to pile up, CSK will now hope Noronha can provide much-needed balance and depth as they attempt to stay competitive during the remainder of IPL 2026.