Not Sanju Samson or Ruturaj Gaikwad! This player labeled as CSK’s biggest problem in IPL 2026
Published - 06 Apr 2026, 03:42 PM | Updated - 06 Apr 2026, 04:09 PM
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan criticized Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner Noor Ahmad following their defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Pathan labeled the Afghan bowler as the biggest problem during their recent IPL 2026 clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, April 5.
Chennai Super Kings suffered their third consecutive loss of the season. They were bowled out for 207 runs while chasing a target of 250. Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their second consecutive win to reach the top of the points table. Ruturaj Gaikwad and his team are at the bottom without a single victory.
Noor Ahmad Is CSK’s Biggest Problem - Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan said that Noor Ahmad has failed to take a single wicket in three matches and has an economy rate of 11.10. Pathan added that the young spinner needs to adjust his run-up angle to improve his bowling alignment and get better results.
"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."
Noor had a tough outing, returning figures of 4-0-49-0. During the last season, he picked up 24 wickets in 14 innings and finished as the second-highest wicket-taker.
Irfan Pathan Disappointed With Matt Henry’s Bowling Tactics
Irfan Pathan also expressed disappointment with Matt Henry’s execution against Virat Kohli. Pathan said that an experienced overseas pacer should not bowl full deliveries when a batter steps out.
"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."
Chennai Super Kings Cannot Afford No-Balls Against Tim David
Irfan Pathan advised bowlers to target Tim David’s middle and leg stumps consistently. Anshul Kamboj bowled Tim David with a yorker in the 18th over, but a no-ball siren gave the batter a big reprieve. David made the most of it, smashing eight sixes to score an unbeaten 70 off 25 balls.
"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 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."
Also read: Big MS Dhoni update: CSK set condition for his IPL 2026 comeback
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Noor Ahmad Irfan Pathan Matt Henry Anshul Kamboj Tim David Royal Challengers Bangalore Chennai Super Kings IPL CSK vs RCB RCB vs CSKAbout the Author
Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla...
