IPL 2025: Noor Ahmad Expresses Joy in Reclaiming Purple Cap

Key Takeaways

Noor Ahmad reclaimed the Purple Cap with 2-28 against Rajasthan Royals.
He has taken 7 wickets in 3 matches this season.
Notable performance by Nitish Rana scoring 81 runs.
CSK bowlers restricted Rajasthan to 182/9.
Noor's bowling strategy focused on grip and turn.

Guwahati, March 30 (NationPress) Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad achieved remarkable figures of 2-28 in his four overs against Rajasthan Royals, allowing him to reclaim the Purple Cap for having the most wickets in the IPL 2025 season to date.

Prior to this match, Noor had accumulated seven wickets over two games, but Mitchell Starc's debut T20 five-wicket haul in the first match on Sunday, featuring Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, temporarily took the Purple Cap from him. Nevertheless, the 20-year-old swiftly regained it with his economical bowling performance against Rajasthan in Guwahati, just hours after Starc's impressive display in Visakhapatnam.

Noor is experiencing a memorable season, having taken four and three wickets in his opening two matches.

"Feel happy to get it back, always feels special, hope I keep it at the end of the tournament," Noor remarked during the mid-innings interval.

Despite Nitish Rana's explosive 81 runs off 36 balls, CSK bowlers managed to restrict Rajasthan to 182/9 in their 20 overs. Khaleel Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana also took two wickets each, leading to Rajasthan losing their last five wickets in just 30 balls.

Noor, who secured critical wickets of Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel, disclosed his bowling strategy, stating, "I tried both, the wrong-un was effective on the surface, I got some grip and turn, which is why I opted for the wrong-un. It feels great to contribute to my team; I always strive to make a difference, whether it’s through fielding or bowling—any aspect, I just want to contribute."

"The pitch is different; I was aware that any full delivery would likely go for four or six, so I adjusted my length slightly back. Hopefully, we need a strong start and can adapt in the middle," he added.

Chennai is coming off a 50-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Chepauk on Friday, while Rajasthan remains winless in their IPL 2025 campaign to this point.