Noor Ahmad, the young Afghan spinner, has made headlines in IPL 2025 by becoming the first bowler to complete 10 wickets this season. Representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Noor’s performances have stood out in a tournament where bowlers have often been under immense pressure due to high scores and flat tracks. His rise has not only boosted CSK’s campaign but also showcased the growing impact of Afghan spin talent in international leagues.
In a season where batting has often overshadowed the ball, with teams frequently crossing the 200-run mark, Noor’s consistency and control have been refreshing. He has used the conditions at Chepauk to his advantage, varying his pace cleverly and outsmarting even the most experienced of batters. His tally of 10 wickets from the first few matches of the season is a reflection of both skill and temperament.
One of his most notable performances came against Mumbai Indians, where he delivered a match-defining spell. His four wickets in that game, achieved with sharp turn and pinpoint accuracy, helped CSK defend a moderate total. He bowled with maturity beyond his years, holding his nerve during key moments of the match, and providing his team with crucial breakthroughs.
What has further impressed fans and analysts is the way Noor has responded to pressure. In a format as unforgiving as T20, especially in the IPL with its world-class competition, Noor has shown remarkable control and game awareness. He hasn’t just picked wickets — he has dismissed top-order batters and turned games in CSK’s favor at critical junctures.
The guidance and presence of MS Dhoni behind the stumps has undoubtedly played a role in Noor’s composure. With Dhoni offering tactical field placements and reading batters’ movements, Noor has had the perfect mentor on the field. The bond between the young spinner and the experienced keeper has been visible, with many fans drawing parallels to Dhoni’s previous work with other spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja.
Speaking of Jadeja, he, along with Ravichandran Ashwin, forms a powerful spin trio with Noor in CSK’s bowling line-up. The three have worked in tandem to put a stranglehold on opposition batting during the middle overs. Noor’s emergence has added a new dimension to CSK’s bowling strategy, particularly on spin-friendly pitches where his natural ability to turn the ball becomes even more dangerous.
Noor’s achievement is all the more significant when viewed against the backdrop of some of the explosive batting performances in the league. Teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad have already breached the 250-run mark this season, making every successful bowling performance a noteworthy feat.