CSK Sign New Player Before Final Three IPL 2026 League Matches

Five-time Indian Premier League champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have reportedly signed Karnataka all-rounder Macneil Hadley Noronha as a replacement for injured player Ramakrishna Ghosh for the remainder of the IPL 2026 season. According to reports, the franchise has already informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and is awaiting formal approval to complete the signing.

Ghosh has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament after suffering a fracture in his right foot during CSK’s home match against Mumbai Indians on May 2, which also marked his IPL debut. Despite playing only one game, the youngster impressed with an athletic diving catch to dismiss Will Jacks. However, he appeared to injure himself during his bowling spell after falling awkwardly in his follow-through while delivering to Naman Dhir.

CSK later confirmed the injury in an official statement, saying Ghosh would take no further part in IPL 2026. Head coach Stephen Fleming also spoke about the setback, praising the young player’s rapid development during training sessions and highlighting his improving all-round abilities with both bat and ball.

Also Read: IPL 2026 Playoff Race Tightens As CSK, RR Face Qualification Pressure

Noronha, 24, earned attention after a strong campaign for Mangaluru Dragons in the 2025 Maharaja Trophy, where the team won the title. The all-rounder scored 253 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of nearly 149 and hit 19 sixes during the tournament. He also contributed with off-spin bowling, taking 10 wickets at an economy rate of 7.44, including figures of 2 for 25 in the final against Hubli Tigers.

His performances earned him a place in the Karnataka squad for the domestic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he featured in three matches. CSK management reportedly sees him as a versatile option capable of strengthening both the middle order and spin department as the team battles a difficult campaign.

CSK’s injury concerns have mounted throughout IPL 2026, with several key players unavailable at different stages of the season. The franchise has already dealt with injuries to bowlers Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis, while batter Ayush Mhatre has also missed matches. Veteran star MS Dhoni has reportedly been managing a calf strain since the start of the tournament, further testing the squad’s depth with only three league-stage matches remaining.

Also Read: MS Dhoni Resumes Net Practice: Will the CSK Legend Play in IPL 2026?