CSK’s Biggest Worry in IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan Flags Noor Ahmed’s Struggles
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have endured a rocky start to IPL 2026, suffering defeats in their first three matches against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings. Their latest setback came on Sunday when the visitors faced a massive total of 250/3 posted by RCB at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, powered by a blistering partnership of 99 runs in just 35 balls from Tim David and Rajat Patidar. Despite a fighting chase, CSK fell short, being bowled out for 207.
While the batting lineup struggled to keep up with the required run rate, CSK’s bowling department drew significant criticism. Apart from Khaleel Ahmed, most of the bowlers went for more than 10 runs per over, unable to contain the RCB onslaught. Spinner Noor Ahmed, who had been a consistent performer for CSK in IPL 2025, conceded 49 runs in four overs without claiming a single wicket.
Irfan Pathan, former India all-rounder, did not mince words while analysing CSK’s bowling woes on his YouTube channel.
“He (Noor Ahmed) is CSK’s biggest problem right now. He has bowled around 10 overs this season and conceded over 100 runs. He does not 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,” Pathan said.
The former pacer expressed disappointment given Noor’s experience, adding, “I am very disappointed with his bowling because he brings in a lot of experience. He has had strong performances and a good economy, but hasn’t been able to perform like that in this league. An experienced bowler does not 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.”
The match was dominated by heavy hitting from RCB captain Rajat Patidar and Tim David, with the latter smashing an unbeaten 70 off just 25 balls. Pathan highlighted the danger of giving free deliveries to such aggressive batters:
“He (David) got bowled on a no-ball. Anshul Kamboj bluffed him, but giving Tim David a free hit means that you have become khatron ke khiladi — someone who plays with danger. Tim David usually stands outside the leg stump, so bowling at the off stump gives him width. If the bowler thinks that he won’t give room by bowling at the off stump, he is actually giving him room. You have to bowl at the middle stump and leg stump; otherwise, he is going to hit you. You can block him initially, which Chennai did not do, and he took full advantage of that,” Pathan explained.
As CSK continues to search for their first win of the season, Noor Ahmed’s form has become a central concern. With IPL 2026 underway, correcting these bowling lapses could prove crucial for the five-time champions to turn around their campaign.
