New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings are likely to take Karnataka cricketer McNeil Headley Noronha for the remainder of IPL 2026 as an injury replacement for Ramakrishna Ghosh.CSK suffered their third major injury blow of the season when all-rounder Ghosh was ruled out of the tournament due to a fractured leg on May 2 against Mumbai Indians.
TimesofIndia.com has learned that the 24-year-old Noronha, who enjoyed an impressive 2024-25 KK Naidu Trophy campaign that included two triple centuries — against Uttarakhand and Tripura — attended trials for Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians and CSK, during which he impressed.Noronha, who spent most of his childhood in the UAE, scored 1,037 runs in eight matches during the CK Naidu Trophy and became the tournament’s highest run-scorer.After his impressive performance, the right-handed batsman earned a place in the Rest of India U-23 squad.He was also part of the title-winning Mangalore Dragons team in the Maharaja Cup, where he took two wickets in the final.Noronha has played three T20 matches for Karnataka so far, scoring 58 runs and taking one wicket.
The 2026 season has been hit hard by CSK’s injuries.They began the campaign without premier pacer Nathan Ellis, who was ruled out through injury.MS Dhoni, who led CSK to five IPL titles, is yet to feature this season as he recovers from a calf problem.South African batsman Dewald Brewis missed the first few games with a side strain before recovering and returning to the team.CSK also lost Indian pacer Khalil Ahmed and young batsman Ayush Mahatre to injuries, with Ramakrishna Ghosh becoming the latest addition to a growing injury list.
