New Delhi: “14 years of my struggle have completed today.” These were the words of McNeil Headley Noronha after receiving a call from his coach Irfan Sett. Chennai Super Kings. Sait says it was the most emotional he had seen the Karnataka all-rounder, who struggled to collect himself after learning he would be in the CSK squad. IPL 2026.The five-time IPL champions signed Noronha earlier this week as an injury replacement for Ramakrishna Ghosh, as reported by This Masthead, a move later confirmed by an official IPL statement.“Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have selected a replacement for Ramakrishna Ghosh, who injured his right foot during the match against Mumbai Indians on May 3. He has been ruled out for the season. McNeil Noronha will join CSK for Rs 30 lakh as Ghosh’s replacement,” the IPL said in a release.
The call that finally came.
Norunha was at home when the call came around 4 p.m. CSK informed him that he would have to join the squad the next day. He immediately called the set.“Since I started coaching him, it was the first time I saw him so emotional. It was years of hard work that finally paid off for Noronha. He was invited by four franchises – Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings – for trials. He did really well there and finally, CSK picked him. I’m so happy for the kid and he worked hard for the kid and he worked hard all day long. guided very well,” Sait told TimesofIndia.com.Sait believes Noronha’s greatest strength lies in the balance he brings as a cricketer.“He is a God-gifted cricketer with good temperament. I would say he is an all-format player. He has always been a positive batsman. The beauty of him is that he doesn’t even look aggressive. He has his own style of batting – very relaxed – but he hits the ball a long, long way. When he hits the ball, he makes it look so easy,” he said.
A home season that changed everything.
The 24-year-old had already built momentum through a strong domestic season. Norunha topped the run charts with 1037 runs in eight matches in the CK Naidu Trophy and was later awarded the BCCI Naman Award.He was also instrumental in Mangaluru Dragons’ Maharaja Trophy-winning campaign in 2025, scoring 253 runs at a strike rate of 148.82 while also taking 10 wickets.These performances earned him opportunities with Karnataka’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad and the Rest of India Under-23 team.
Dubai to Bengaluru
Noronha spent most of her childhood in Dubai due to her father’s business commitments. He first began training under Sait at the age of 11, often traveling to Bangalore for short training sessions at the Karnataka Institute of Cricket (KIOC).Sait eventually advised the family to move to India permanently to help his cricketing development.“At some point, since he has roots in Mangalore, I suggested that he should consider shifting as UAE cricket only goes to the U-19 level and there is not much structure beyond that. His father continued his business in Dubai, while his mother and sister moved to Bengaluru for their studies and cricket,” said Seth.
McNeil Hadley Noronha (Special Arrangements)
The move split the family between the two countries for many years.“His parents have sacrificed a lot for the boy. Can you imagine? His father is in Dubai while his mother stays here to take care of him. Her sister is now married, but both brother and sister were here with mother while she lived away from her husband in Dubai. It was a great sacrifice. Taking him to the stadium and bringing him back – he did everything. This woman has done everything to ensure that she is well looked after and protected,” said Seth.“His CSK call-up should be dedicated to his parents. He has made them proud,” he added.
gave Yuvraj Singh Connection
Although he is a right-handed batsman and off-spinner, Noronha has long admired Yuvraj Singh.Sait recalled an incident in 2019, the day Yuvraj announced his retirement from international cricket. Before the semifinals at a private tournament, Noronha approached her coach with an unusual idea.“That day is one I will never forget. Yuvraj had announced his retirement and we had a semi-final match in a private tournament. Noronha came to me and said, ‘Sir, I want to pay tribute to my hero Yuvraj Singh.’ I asked him, ‘How?’ “Six sixes in one over,” he said. I told him, ‘No, don’t try that. This is a semi-final match. If you fail, the team will suffer and lose the match.”
McNeil Hadley Noronha (Special Arrangements)
Noronha went ahead with the plan anyway.“He hit six sixes in an over, won the match for the team and reached the final. We also won the final,” Sait said.
CSK’s growing injury list
Noronha joins CSK at a time when injuries have disrupted their season a lot. Ramakrishna Ghosh was ruled out with a fractured foot after the game against Mumbai Indians on 2 May.The franchise has also dealt with injuries to Nathan Ellis, Devild Brewers, Khalil Ahmed, Ayush Mahatre and Jamie Overton, while MS Dhoni is yet to feature this season as he recovers from a shin injury.
