How a 'long chat' with MS Dhoni helped Noor Ahmad dismantle KKR, CSK coach reveals

Chennai Super Kings assistant bowling coach Sridharan Sriram revealed that Noor Ahmad benefited from a detailed discussion with MS Dhoni during a net session, where he was advised to work on his leg-breaks.

Noor delivered a match-winning performance with figures of 3/21 in four overs as Chennai Super Kings defeated Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL 2026 match on Tuesday. He played a key role in breaking the middle order as Kolkata lost control of the chase.

After the match, Sriram spoke about the adjustments Noor made and the role Dhoni played in his preparation.

"It was good. The wicket helped today. There was a little bit of turn for him. The other wickets are quite flat, but today it was a little slower through the air. There was more side spin on the ball and more drop," Sriram said.

"That is something he has been working on. Even MS had a long chat with him in one of the practice sessions, especially about getting his leg-break going. I think it was very helpful today, and the results were there to see," he added.

Sriram stressed on the importance of getting deviation off the pitch for spinners.

"I think to be able to get some deviation off the surface is very important. I think that is what he's been working on. Everybody accepts there are going to be days when the wickets are going to be very flat.

"But still looking to be aggressive, putting revs on the ball and getting the ball to spin will definitely help him a lot, and that's where you can induce mistakes. Because once you start to get defensive, then the batters are going to get on top of you," he said.

Noor has taken four wickets in five matches this season, with three of them coming in this game. According to the coaching staff, the nature of the pitches earlier in the tournament also played a role in his limited returns.

Chasing 193, Kolkata were 79/3 in the 10th over before Noor struck in the 11th over. He dismissed Ajinkya Rahane and Cameron Green on consecutive deliveries to reduce them to 85/5.

130276349

Rovman Powell, who hit an unbeaten 31, and Ramandeep Singh (35) attempted to revive the chase but could never keep up with the asking rate.