Akeal, Noor 'tactically sharp' for CSK playoff push, says Sriram
Synopsis
Noor Ahmad's 11-wicket haul in IPL 2026 masks a comeback story: from one wicket in four games to the tournament's most prolific middle-overs bowler. MS Dhoni's hands-on coaching on leg-break technique proved the turning point. With Akeal Hosein anchoring control, CSK's spin pair has become the franchise's playoff passport.
Key Takeaways
Noor Ahmad has taken 11 wickets for CSK in IPL 2026 , while Akeal Hosein has claimed 7 .
In overs 7-16 , Noor has bowled 94% of his deliveries and taken 11 wickets at 7.9 runs per over — the most in that phase this season.
Noor 's form turnaround came after early struggles: 1 wicket in first 4 games at 11.3 economy , then 10 wickets in last 6 games at 6.7 economy .
MS Dhoni worked with Noor on leg-break delivery and stump-to-stump lines during practice sessions.
CSK sit on 10 points from 10 games ; a win over Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday will boost playoff hopes.
Chennai Super Kings assistant bowling coach Sridharan Sriram has praised the spin partnership of Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad for their tactical maturity and preparation, crediting their clarity of execution to CSK's recent momentum in IPL 2026. With Noor claiming 11 wickets and Hosein taking seven, the duo has anchored the franchise's middle-overs strategy as they chase a playoff berth from 10 points across 10 games.
The spin pair's evolution
Noor has undergone a remarkable turnaround after a sluggish start. In his first four outings, he managed just one wicket while conceding at 11.3 runs per over. Since then, he has struck 10 times in his last six innings at an economy of 6.7 runs per over — a dramatic shift that has stabilised CSK's bowling unit in the powerplay and middle phases.
Dominance in the middle overs
In the critical overs 7-16 window, Noor has bowled 94 per cent of his deliveries and claimed 11 wickets at an economy of 7.9 runs per over. Notably, no bowler across IPL 2026 has taken more wickets in that phase — a statistic that underscores his emergence as a match-winner in the middle overs, a period where franchises typically bleed runs.
Technical adjustments that worked
Sriram attributed Noor's resurgence to deliberate technical refinements. MS Dhoni, the franchise's captain and mentor, spent time with Noor in practice sessions focusing on his leg-break delivery and stump-to-stump lines. "MS had a long chat with him in one of the practice sessions, getting his leg-break to go," Sriram said at the pre-match press conference on Saturday. "His rhythm is pretty good. He's sorted his run-up yards."
The adjustments have been incremental but impactful: Noor now bowls a higher percentage of leg-breaks over googlies, maintains more consistent run-up speeds, and imparts greater revolutions on the ball. These tweaks have allowed him to attack the stumps more aggressively, a shift that has translated directly into wickets.
What's at stake
A win over Lucknow Super Giants at Chepauk on Sunday afternoon would brighten CSK's playoff chances in what remains a tightly contested race. Hosein's control bowling — slower through the air, economical — complements Noor's attacking intent, and their growing understanding of each other's strengths has become a cornerstone of the franchise's strategy in the tournament's final phase.
Point of View
Rather than benching him, is the difference between a panic move and a playoff pathway. In a tournament where spinners are often scapegoats, CSK's investment in Noor's technique is a reminder that form is coachable.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wickets has Noor Ahmad taken in IPL 2026?
Noor Ahmad has claimed 11 wickets for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026. After taking just 1 wicket in his first 4 outings, he has since picked up 10 wickets in his last 6 innings, showcasing a dramatic turnaround in form.
Why did Noor Ahmad's form improve so dramatically?
MS Dhoni worked with Noor during practice sessions to refine his leg-break delivery and stump-to-stump lines. Noor also adjusted his run-up consistency, increased revolutions on the ball, and now bowls a higher percentage of leg-breaks over googlies, allowing him to attack the stumps more aggressively.
What makes Noor Ahmad special in the middle overs?
In overs 7-16, Noor has bowled 94% of his deliveries and claimed 11 wickets at an economy of 7.9 runs per over — the most wickets in that phase across IPL 2026. This middle-overs dominance has become crucial for CSK's playoff campaign.
How does Akeal Hosein complement Noor Ahmad?
Akeal Hosein provides control bowling, delivering slower through the air with an economical approach. His partnership with Noor — who plays the attacking role — has created a balanced spin attack that has been central to CSK's recent success.
What is at stake for CSK against Lucknow Super Giants?
CSK currently have 10 points from 10 games. A win over Lucknow Super Giants at Chepauk on Sunday afternoon would significantly improve their chances of securing a playoff berth in what remains a tightly contested race.
