Chennai: The MA Chidambaram Stadium track is special to Noor Ahmad for various reasons. One-and-a-half years ago, on his ODI World Cup debut at this venue, the Afghan left-arm wrist spinner made life difficult for Pakistan batters, taking a three-wicket haul that all but ensured the 1992 world champions’ ouster from the tournament.
The 20-year-old was a moderate success for Gujarat Titans too, and come the big auctions ahead of the IPL this season, Chennai Super Kings decided that they would go all out for him. He was picked up for Rs 10 cr, which seemed quite a lot of money at that point.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!On Sunday, Noor showed how destructive he can be on a pitch helpful for the spinners. His 4/18 decimated the Mumbai Indians middle order and set up the CSK win. Warning bells are already ringing for other teams who are slated to play in Chennai, to take on a side that knows how to maximize their potential at home.
The fact that Noor has been entrusted to take up the ‘aggressor’ role over veteran tweakers Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja speaks volumes of the sheer quality he possesses. After the four-wicket triumph on Sunday, Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad reiterated that the think-tank sees the Afghan as a point of positive difference.
“They (the spinners) were right on point. We were really excited to see them bowling in tandem at Chepauk. I’m really happy they did well first up. Noor is definitely an X-factor; that is why we wanted him in the team,” Ruturaj said. Noor’s splendid performance will provide relief to CSK in a period when they are missing a game-changing bowler in Matheesha Pathirana, reportedly due to an injury. The wrist spinner credited the “relaxed team environment” for seamlessly adapting to life at Super Kings.
“Since the time I came here, I’ve never felt like a stranger. I’ve never felt that it’s my first time with this franchise. Everything is going smoothly and I feel great to be here,” said Noor. “Playing around the world (other T20 leagues) is great, but it’s special playing in the IPL. I’m happy for the opportunity and for my contribution to the team,” he added.
What made the Noor effort even more special was the fact that he removed Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma — two champion players of spin — after they had settled in. He also kept the opposition batters guessing, with Suryakumar and Co. often struggling picking him from the hand.
“Much of my focus was on landing the ball in the right areas and then letting it work. The wicket of Surya was the best for me, it was my favourite. Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) made an electric stumping. It was out of this world and it was too fast. Having him behind the stumps is a big support for me,” said Noor.
The CSK fans will hope that the combo will keep weaving its magic through the tournament, making it a memorable couple of months for the five-time champions.
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