Who is Macneil Hadley Noronha? Karnataka youngster joins CSK after Ramkrishna Ghosh injury setback

Chennai Super Kings have made an important squad change in the closing phase of IPL 2026 after young all-rounder Ramkrishna Ghosh was ruled out due to injury. Ramkrishna had made an immediate impact in his IPL debut for CSK, grabbing attention by dismissing Mumbai Indians batter Suryakumar Yadav in his very first appearance. But his campaign came to an abrupt end after suffering an injury that forced him out of the tournament.

With the playoff battle still alive and three league matches remaining, CSK moved quickly to bring in a replacement. The franchise announced on Wednesday that Karnataka cricketer Macneil Hadley Noronha has been added to the squad for the remainder of the season.

Breakthrough performances in domestic cricket

Macneil is regarded as one of Karnataka’s promising young all-rounders in domestic cricket. Born on September 23, 2001, he is primarily a right-handed batter who can also contribute effectively with off-spin bowling. Over the last two seasons, his performances in domestic tournaments have steadily pushed him into the spotlight.

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The 24-year-old drew major attention during the 2024-25 Under-23 Elite CK Naidu Trophy. Playing for Karnataka, Noronha finished as the leading run-scorer of the tournament after amassing 1037 runs from only eight matches. He averaged nearly 80 and struck three centuries during the campaign. His most memorable innings came when he produced a stunning knock of 345 runs, underlining his ability to play long innings under pressure.

Strong T20 numbers earn CSK opportunity

Noronha also delivered impactful performances in the 2025 Maharaja Trophy for Mangaluru Dragons. He played a key role in the team’s title-winning run, scoring 253 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate close to 149. Alongside his batting contribution, he also picked up 10 wickets with the ball.

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His strong domestic form earned him an opportunity in Karnataka’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad, where he featured in three matches and contributed with both bat and ball. Now, the young all-rounder has another major platform ahead of him as he prepares to join Chennai Super Kings for the remainder of the IPL season.