Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed Karnataka all-rounder Macneil Noronha to replace the injured Ramakrishna Ghosh for the remainder of IPL 2026. Noronha, aged 24, comes with a strong domestic cricket background, having recently won the MA Chidambaram Trophy for being the top run-scorer in the 2024/25 Colonel CK Nayudu Trophy.
Noronha’s impressive performances in domestic cricket earned him a spot in the Karnataka squad for the 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he showcased his skills by scoring 58 runs and taking a wicket in three matches. Additionally, he stood out in the Maharaja Trophy last year, scoring 253 runs at a strike rate of 148.82 for the Mangaluru Dragons, who emerged as champions.
Replacing Ghosh, who suffered a season-ending fracture during his IPL debut, Noronha brings both batting prowess and bowling skills to CSK. With 19 sixes in 13 games and 10 wickets at an economy rate of 7.44 in the Maharaja Trophy, Noronha is set to bolster CSK’s lineup for the upcoming matches.
Injuries have plagued CSK in IPL 2026, with players like Khaleel Ahmed, Ayush Mhatre, and Nathan Ellis already ruled out. Despite these setbacks and the absence of MS Dhoni due to a calf strain, CSK remains competitive in the tournament, currently placed fifth in the standings. Their upcoming match against Lucknow Super Giants presents an opportunity to strengthen their position for the playoffs.
