Chennai Super Kings secured a strong 32-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026. The match was dominated by spin bowling, and Noor Ahmad played a key role with an excellent spell.
Even though MS Dhoni is currently injured, his guidance during practice helped Noor regain his confidence and rhythm.
How Dhoni Helped Noor Get Back in Form
Before this match, Noor Ahmad was struggling to take wickets and was also conceding runs.
His recent performances were not impressive, but things changed after a detailed conversation with Dhoni during a practice session.
CSK bowling coach Sridharan Sriram shared that Dhoni advised Noor to focus on his leg-spin and trust his natural style.
Noor followed this advice and bowled with better control, slower pace, and more spin, which made a big difference in the match.
Noor Ahmad’s Performance Improvement
| Phase | Bowling Figures |
|---|---|
| Before KKR Match | 0/24, 0/38, 0/49, 1/36 |
| vs KKR | 3/21 |
This shows a clear improvement in his bowling after working on his strengths.
Match-Winning Spell
Noor Ahmad finished with 3 wickets for 21 runs and was awarded Player of the Match.
His spell in the middle overs slowed down KKR’s scoring and created pressure. His variations and control made it difficult for batters to attack.
Also See : CSK vs KKR Impact Players Today: Toss, Playing XI & Match Updates – IPL 2026
Dhoni’s Injury Update and CSK Position
MS Dhoni is currently recovering from a calf injury and has missed five matches so far. He is expected to return soon.
Despite his absence, CSK managed to win this match and moved to 8th position in the points table with two wins.
What This Means for CSK
This win shows that CSK can still perform well with smart planning and teamwork.
Noor Ahmad’s return to form is a big positive. If he continues to bowl like this, CSK will have a strong spin option in the middle overs.
The team will now look to build on this momentum in the upcoming matches.
Key Match Stats
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Result | CSK won by 32 runs |
| Noor Ahmad Figures | 3/21 |
| Award | Player of the Match |
| Dhoni Status | Injured (calf strain) |
| CSK Position | 8th on points table |
