IPL 2025: Gaikwad Commends Noor as a Key Player for CSK

Chennai, March 23 (NationPress) Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad praised Noor Ahmad’s impressive bowling performance of 4-18 in their four-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians, emphasizing that having an x-factor player like the left-arm wrist-spinner is a significant advantage for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Noor was CSK’s most expensive acquisition at last year’s mega auction, costing Rs 10 crore, and he validated that investment by dismantling MI’s middle-order, achieving the best bowling figures for a CSK spinner against MI and marking his career-best IPL performance. Along with Noor, left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed also excelled with figures of 3-29. “Our spinners were right on target, and we were genuinely excited to see them bowl in tandem at Chepauk after the auction,” Gaikwad remarked.

“Khaleel has been performing well for the past 2-3 years, and his experience is invaluable. Noor is indeed an x-factor, and we’re fortunate to have him in our squad. Dhoni remains the same, but he’s fitter this year and hitting more sixes in the nets,” Gaikwad stated after the match concluded.

Noor, who was awarded Player of the Match, also played for CSK’s sister franchise in Texas during last year’s Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA. “It’s fantastic to play globally, but it’s particularly special to represent CSK. At times, I felt overlooked, but I focused on improving my bowling. My favorite wicket was Surya's, and Mahi bhai's stumping was electrifying. It’s wonderful having Mahi bhai behind the stumps,” he expressed.

In pursuit of 156 runs, Gaikwad showcased a blend of aggression and timing, scoring six fours and three sixes, reaching his fifty in just 22 balls, marking his quickest half-century in the tournament. He also hinted at the possibility of batting at number three for CSK throughout the tournament.

“Once I got out, I sensed the chase could become tense. There are moments when matches are tight, but I’m glad to be on the winning side. My batting at number three is crucial for the team, providing better balance, allowing Rahul Tripathi to be aggressive at the top while I can adapt my game,” he explained.

Despite wickets falling at the other end, Rachin Ravindra anchored the innings with an unbeaten 45-ball 65, including two fours and four sixes, as CSK secured a tense win with five balls remaining. Ravindra noted the need to bat through the innings as the pitch became more challenging at Chepauk.

“Mumbai made it really tough for us, adjusting the pace effectively in the middle overs. They restricted our scoring during that phase, making it difficult to accumulate runs. The Chepauk wicket can be tricky, with unpredictable behavior,” he added.

“The pitch held slightly, and while it wasn’t turning significantly, their lengths restricted runs. Rutu is remarkable, striking at 200 without much effort; his batting is impressive. The bump on my head from Pakistan is fine now, and I hope it doesn’t recur,” he stated.

Suryakumar Yadav, MI’s stand-in captain, acknowledged their total was below par and praised debutant left-arm wrist-spinner Vignesh Puthur for his spell of 3-32. “We were 15-20 runs short, but the fight from the boys was commendable. There was no dew, but it was quite humid; Ruturaj batted excellently in the second innings,” he remarked.

“Vignesh Puthur made an impressive IPL debut. MI has a reputation for discovering young talent throughout the year, and he has a great future ahead. I saved his over for the end, anticipating a tight finish, but it became unnecessary,” he concluded.