CSK vs MI: How Noor Ahmad's successful Chepauk debut underlines Chennai’s strategy for reaching IPL 2025 playoffs

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have long been renowned for assembling teams that capitalise on the spin-friendly conditions at their home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium. With its sluggish surfaces, Chepauk has historically been a haven for slow bowlers. Over the years, CSK have relied on experienced spinners to stifle opposition batters during the middle overs. In the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), they have taken this approach a step further by securing Afghan left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad for a staggering Rs 10 crore in the mega auction. That investment, coupled with their squad composition, make it crystal clear that the five-time former champions are doubling down on spin to pursue a record-extending sixth IPL title .

A Well-Balanced Trio

CSK wasted no time in showcasing their spin-heavy strategy in the season opener against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday . Noor, making his debut for the franchise, delivered a sensational spell of 4 for 18 — the best-ever figures by a CSK spinner against MI. His variations and control proved too much for Mumbai’s middle-order. It was primarily because of Noor’s spell that CSK restricted MI to a modest 155 . His introduction in CSK’s scheme of things this season adds another dimension to their spin attack that is already heavy on experience thanks to the presence of Indian stalwarts Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.

Within their setup, Jadeja’s role remains unchanged — his accuracy and ability to restrict runs make him a crucial enforcer, while Ashwin, returning to his home franchise this season, keeps batters guessing with his vast experience and tactical acumen. The trio now offers CSK an ideal mix of control and attacking firepower, ensuring they can dictate terms in the middle overs. Leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal is also part of the squad but is unlikely to break into the first-choice XI at present.

Noor, however, brings a skill set CSK lacked last season — a genuine wrist-spinner who actively hunts for wickets. His sharp googlies, quick-arm action, and ability to extract bounce make him a constant threat, particularly against right-handers. This was evident in the MI clash, where he outfoxed skipper Suryakumar Yadav with a ripping delivery that spun past the outside edge, leading to a stumping. Such an attacking option was missing in CSK’s spin attack last season.

What CSK Lacked in Recent Years

They had previously relied on Sri Lankan mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana in this role, but his returns were underwhelming. While Theekshana played 24 matches across two seasons, his 25 wickets came at an average of 31.88 and an economy of 7.66 — steady but not game-changing. Noor, on the other hand, offers greater variation and a more aggressive approach, which is precisely what CSK needed. His immediate impact against MI suggests he could be one of the most influential bowlers of IPL 2025.

Chepauk’s Spin Factor

Spin has always been a defining feature of Chepauk, and CSK’s recruitment reflects their intent to maximise this advantage. While IPL 2024 saw pacers take 74 wickets at this venue compared to just 25 by spinners, CSK appear determined to alter that trend this season. In their opening match, they fielded three frontline spinners —Jadeja, Ashwin, and Noor — while also having Deepak Hooda as a part-time option, though he was not utilised. This suggests that on turning tracks, CSK can potentially bowl 12-15 overs of spin, making it extremely difficult for opposition batters to accelerate during the middle overs.

Noor’s ability to turn the ball both ways, combined with Jadeja’s control and Ashwin’s tactical awareness, makes CSK’s spin attack arguably the most formidable in the tournament. The strategy is simple — Noor attacks, while Jadeja and Ashwin choke the scoring rate. This method has worked for CSK in the past and with Noor in the mix, it looks even more potent now.

Impact on Overseas Selection

Noor’s inclusion not only strengthens CSK’s bowling attack but also brings flexibility to their overseas player selection. With a reliable wicket-taking spinner in the XI, the franchise now has the freedom to optimise their overseas picks based on match conditions.

CSK have persisted with Rachin Ravindra as their first-choice overseas opener this season, ensuring stability at the top. But Noor’s presence allows them to allocate their remaining overseas slots to reinforce the pace-bowling all-rounder department. The Yellow Brigade now have Sam Curran and Jamie Overton as pace-bowling all-rounders. Curran, a proven T20 performer, brings balance with his death-over bowling and lower-order hitting, while Overton offers raw pace and power-hitting ability. Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana remains their designated death-overs specialist whenever he will be available for selection.

The Tried-and-Tested Formula

CSK’s approach in IPL 2025 reaffirms their commitment to their tried-and-tested formula — building a team suited for Chepauk and maximising home advantage. With the Impact Player rule pushing teams towards high-scoring games, CSK are among the few franchises that still rely heavily on spin, knowing it remains their best chance of success. With an experienced duo in Jadeja and Ashwin and a young, dynamic match-winner in Noor, CSK have all the ingredients for another dominant season. If their opener against MI was any indication, their spin trio could be the most influential bowling unit in IPL 2025.

This renewed spin-first approach, spearheaded by Noor, could be the key to CSK’s ambitions of lifting yet another IPL trophy.