How a long chat with MS Dhoni helped Noor Ahmad rediscover his rhythm against KKR

A CSK coach spilled the beans on how the Afghanistan bowler worked in close quarters with Dhoni to rediscover his rhythm.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni might be injured and out of action in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), but one simply can’t keep him out of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). On Tuesday, Noor Ahmad produced a match-winning performance with the ball as CSK choked Kolkata Knight Riders with spin to clinch a 32-run win. Following the game, a CSK coach spilled the beans on how the Afghanistan bowler worked in close quarters with Dhoni to rediscover his rhythm.

How Dhoni helped Noor rediscover mojo

Before the game against KKR on Tuesday, Noor had been rather poor with the ball, with figures of 0/24, 0/38/ 0/49, and 1/36. Not only was CSK’s leading run-getter from IPL 2025 struggling to pick wickets, but he was also quite expensive. All that changed on Tuesday as the Afghan spinner returned to his old ways and doing what he was best at – strangling the opposition and picking wickets.

Following the CSK vs KKR game, bowling coach Sridharan Sriram revealed how Dhoni had had a long chat with Noor during a practice session. He said that the discussion involved the former CSK captain urging Noor Ahmad to persist in bowling leg breaks, and added that the results in the game against KKR showed that he was right.

“I think the wicket helped today. There was a bit more assistance for him compared to the flatter tracks earlier. He bowled slightly slower through the air, with more side spin and drop. That’s something he’s been working on. Even MS had a long chat with him in one of the practice sessions, encouraging him to get his leg-break going. It was very helpful, and the results showed,” Sriram said.

Noor emerged as the Player of the Match for his outstanding spell of 3/21.

As for MS Dhoni, the 44-year-old uncapped player is still recovering from a calf strain that he sustained before the start of the IPL 2026 during a net session. He has missed five games so far. Earlier, reports had stated that he is expected to regain full fitness only by mid-April. With a win against KKR, CSK are now 8th on the points table with 2 wins to their name.