A Growing Concern for Chennai Super Kings
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has highlighted Noor Ahmad as a major issue in the struggling Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lineup. This assessment comes after CSK’s 43-run loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which extended their losing streak. The defeat has raised serious questions about the team’s performance and strategy.
Noor, who was expected to lead the bowling attack following a strong previous season, has struggled this year. He has bowled nearly 10 overs without taking a single wicket, conceding over 100 runs at an economy rate of 11.1. His latest performance saw him take figures of 4-0-49-0, which has only deepened concerns about his control and effectiveness during crucial moments in the game.
In a recent YouTube video, Pathan expressed his frustration with Noor’s current form. He stated:
“He (Noor) is CSK’s biggest problem right now. He has bowled around 10 overs this season and conceded over 100 runs. He doesn’t have a single wicket. I believe that if he corrects the angle of his run-up, the alignment will improve and his hand, which has been falling on one side, will become straighter as well.”
A Drop from Previous Form
This current dip in performance contrasts sharply with Noor’s impressive IPL 2025 campaign, where he took 24 wickets in 14 innings and finished as the second-highest wicket-taker. His strong showing had positioned him as a key player in CSK’s bowling plans. However, the early-season struggles have made the decline more noticeable.
Pathan also voiced his concerns about Matt Henry, pointing out decision-making lapses during crucial moments against Bengaluru. The New Zealand pacer conceded 36 runs in three overs without taking a wicket, adding pressure on an already stretched bowling unit.
Pathan said:
“I am very disappointed with his bowling because he brings in a lot of experience. He has had performances and a good economy, but has not been able to perform like that in this league. An experienced bowler doesn’t bowl a half volley. Anshul Kamboj dismissed Virat Kohli with a bouncer after seeing him step out. Matt Henry bowled a full delivery even after seeing Virat step out.”
Tactical Issues Continue to Plague CSK
Chennai Super Kings remain winless this season and are at the bottom of the points table after three consecutive defeats. The bowling unit’s inability to contain runs or secure breakthroughs has become a recurring issue across matches.
Pathan’s observations focus on technical corrections rather than structural changes, particularly in Noor’s run-up alignment. However, the absence of immediate results indicates limited short-term solutions within the current setup. As performance gaps continue to affect outcomes on the field, the pressure on the team to adapt and improve is mounting.
Key Areas for Improvement
- Technical Adjustments: Noor needs to work on his run-up alignment and ensure his hand position is correct to improve his effectiveness.
- Decision-Making: Players like Matt Henry need to make better decisions under pressure, especially when facing high-profile batsmen.
- Consistency: The entire bowling unit must find a way to maintain consistency and avoid costly mistakes in crucial moments.
- Team Strategy: Coaches and selectors should review the team’s strategy to ensure that players are being utilized effectively based on their strengths.
As the season progresses, it will be crucial for CSK to address these issues quickly to turn their fortunes around. The support from fans and the management will play a significant role in helping the team regain its footing.
