IPL 2026: CSK Replaces Injured Ramakrishnan with Rising Star Noronha

Chennai Super Kings are wasting no time addressing their injury crisis in IPL 2026. The defending powerhouse announced the signing of promising Karnataka all-rounder Macneil Noronha to fill the void left by injured player Ramakrishnan Gosh. Gosh's campaign ended prematurely after a leg injury in the May 3 thriller versus Mumbai Indians. The IPL statement highlighted Noronha's inclusion at 30 lakhs, praising the 24-year-old's recent accolades, including the Naman Award for his MA Chidambaram Trophy heroics. Noronha dominated the Colonel CK Nayudu Trophy 2024/25 as the leading run-scorer and impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 58 runs and a wicket from three outings. Noronha's Maharaja Trophy performance last season was nothing short of spectacular. Playing for champions Mangaluru Dragons, he amassed 253 runs in 13 innings at 148.82 strike rate, blasting 19 sixes. His off-spin yielded 10 wickets at 7.44 economy, capped by a match-winning 2/25 in the final against Hubli Tigers. Ramakrishnan's debut misfortune adds to CSK's woes, with Khalil Ahmed, Ayush Mhatre, and Nathan Ellis already out, Spencer Johnson back from injury, and MS Dhoni nursing a muscle pull since the season opener. Sitting fifth with six wins from 11 matches and 12 points, CSK eyes a playoff spot. Facing Lucknow Super Giants on Friday at Ekana Stadium, Noronha's dual skills could prove pivotal in turning the tide for the Yellow Brigade.