Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Chennai Super Kings’ biggest problem right now is Noor Ahmad’s lack of impact after the franchise’s 43-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026. While CSK had hoped their left-arm spinner would provide breakthroughs, Pathan says the numbers and the rhythm of his bowling have not been where they need to be.
Quick facts
- Irfan Pathan highlighted Noor Ahmad’s form as the biggest issue for CSK.
- Noor Ahmad has taken no wickets in three matches and has conceded over 100 runs in about 10 overs.
- Pathan also questioned Matt Henry’s effectiveness so far in the campaign.
- CSK’s defeat to RCB came by 43 runs in IPL 2026.
- CSK face Delhi Capitals at MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 11.
Pathan noted that Noor was among CSK’s standout performers last season, but this year he has struggled to find the strike rate that the team requires. The spinner has remained wicketless in three outings, leaking heavily in spells that have left CSK with little margin to work with.
In the match versus RCB, Pathan pointed to how Noor was punished, with Rajat Patidar and Tim David making life difficult for him. The former all-rounder singled out the overall pattern of his bowling rather than one isolated over, suggesting that CSK must address the mechanics behind his deliveries to get him back on track.
“He (Noor) 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.
Henry under scrutiny
Pathan also expressed disappointment with Matt Henry’s output, saying the pace bowler has not delivered the kind of performances expected from a senior international. He referenced Henry’s figures versus RCB, where he conceded 36 runs in three overs and again failed to take a wicket.
In Pathan’s view, the issue is not just results but execution—especially in how Henry has been approaching key moments. He argued that an experienced bowler should avoid giving away hittable deliveries, and he illustrated the point with an example involving Virat Kohli.
“I am very disappointed with his bowling because he brings in a lot of experience. He has had 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,” he added.
CSK’s plan against Tim David questioned
Beyond individual performances, Pathan also examined CSK’s tactical approach to Tim David, whose unbeaten 70 off 25 balls helped RCB post a formidable total of 250/3. He believes the matchup was mishandled, particularly in how the bowling targeted David’s movement and spacing.
Pathan said David often stays outside the leg stump, meaning targeting the off side can actually offer him extra width. He argued that if a bowler expects David not to score through the free area, the field and line selection can end up giving him room to attack.
“Tim David usually stands outside the leg stump. So, bowling at the off stump is giving him width. If the bowler is thinking 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 remarked.
CSK’s troubles have now stretched to three straight defeats to open the season, putting added pressure on their combination and bowling plans. With the team searching for answers, their next challenge is a quick turnaround match against Delhi Capitals.
They will take on Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 11, with CSK aiming to stop the slide and get their campaign back on track.
