IPL 2026: CSK likely to rope in UAE-raised Karnataka batter Macneil Hadley Noronha

NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings are likely to rope in Karnataka cricketer Macneil Hadley Noronha as an injury replacement for Ramakrishna Ghosh for the remainder of IPL 2026.

CSK suffered their third major injury setback of the season after all-rounder Ghosh was ruled out of the tournament following the game against Mumbai Indians on May 2 due to a foot fracture.

TimesofIndia.com has learnt that the 24-year-old Noronha, who enjoyed a stellar 2024-25 C.K. Nayudu Trophy campaign featuring two triple centuries — against Uttarakhand and Tripura — had attended trials for Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians and CSK, impressing during his outings.

Noronha, who spent most of his childhood in the UAE, amassed 1,037 runs in eight matches during the C.K. Nayudu Trophy to finish as the tournament’s highest run-scorer.

Following his outstanding performances, the right-handed batter earned a place in the Rest of India Under-23 squad.

He was also part of the title-winning Mangalore Dragons side in the Maharaja Cup, where he picked up two wickets in the final.

Noronha has so far played three T20 matches for Karnataka, scoring 58 runs and picking up one wicket.

The 2026 season has been heavily disrupted by injuries for CSK.

They began the campaign without premier pacer Nathan Ellis, who was ruled out due to injury.

MS Dhoni, who led CSK to five IPL titles, is yet to feature this season as he continues to recover from a calf issue.

South African batter Dewald Brevis missed the opening few games due to a side strain before recovering and returning to the side.

CSK also lost Indian pacer Khaleel Ahmed and young batter Ayush Mhatre to injuries, with Ramakrishna Ghosh becoming the latest addition to the growing injury list.