Chennai Super Kings reportedly pursue Macneil Hadley Noronha as injury replacement for IPL 2026
Sources indicate the franchise is in advanced discussions to sign the Karnataka cricketer, who finished as the highest run-scorer in the 2024-25 C.K. Nayudu Trophy, to fill the void left by Ramakrishna Ghosh.
Chennai Super Kings are reportedly set to sign Karnataka cricketer Macneil Hadley Noronha as an injury replacement for Ramakrishna Ghosh for the remainder of the IPL 2026 season. The move comes as the franchise navigates a campaign heavily disrupted by a cumulative series of injuries to key personnel, marking a significant challenge to their competitive stability this year.
The 24-year-old right-handed batter, who spent most of his childhood in the United Arab Emirates before representing Karnataka, has reportedly impressed during trials with multiple franchises. Reports indicate that Noronha attended assessments with Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, and Chennai Super Kings, with the latter appearing to be the primary focus for his signing.
Noronha's selection is grounded in his standout performance during the 2024-25 C.K. Nayudu Trophy, where he finished as the tournament's highest run-scorer. He amassed 1,037 runs across eight matches, a feat that included two triple centuries against Uttarakhand and Tripura. Following this campaign, he was selected for the Rest of India Under-23 squad and played for the title-winning Mangalore Dragons in the Maharaja Cup.
Despite his domestic success, Noronha's international experience remains limited, having played just three T20 matches for Karnataka where he scored 58 runs and took one wicket. His inclusion in the Rest of India Under-23 squad and his contribution to the Maharaja Cup title-winning side suggest a high level of form that has attracted the attention of top-tier franchises.
The reported signing is a direct response to a severe injury crisis affecting the squad. The team began the campaign without premier pacer Nathan Ellis and has since seen captain MS Dhoni fail to feature as he recovers from a calf issue. Additional absences include South African batter Dewald Brevis, who missed the opening games due to a side strain, as well as pacer Khaleel Ahmed and young batter Ayush Mhatre.
All-rounder Ramakrishna Ghosh was ruled out of the tournament following a game against Mumbai Indians on May 2 due to a foot fracture, becoming the latest addition to the growing list of unavailable players. While the exact timeline and terms of the replacement contract remain unconfirmed, the franchise is likely to finalise the deal to ensure depth for the remainder of the season.
