IPL 2025, CSK vs MI: Noor’s magical spell paves the way for Rachin to take CSK home

         The Afghan spinner delivers a standout performance with a four-wicket haul to contain Mumbai to 155; skipper Ruturaj sets the tone early with a blistering knock before the Kiwi opener completes the innings.

          

Chennai Super Kings’ Rachin Ravindra bats during the Indian Premier League cricket match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in Chennai on March 23, 2025. | Photo Credit: AP

On Sunday (March 23, 2025), the 20-year-old showcased his value as the Super Kings’ most expensive acquisition, delivering a stellar bowling performance (4-0-18-4) that paved the way for a four-wicket victory against the Mumbai Indians in their IPL league match at the MAC Stadium.
At the mega auction last year, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians engaged in a heated battle for Noor Ahmad's services, with CSK emerging victorious at ₹5 crore. Noor's former team, Gujarat Titans, utilized its Right to Match card, but CSK swiftly doubled its bid to ₹10 crore to secure the Afghanistan tweaker.
Having elected to field, the Chennai Super Kings' bowlers, spearheaded by the spinners, delivered a standout performance, securing wickets at regular intervals to restrict the Mumbai team to 155 for nine. In pursuit of 156, Ruturaj Gaikwad led the charge for the hosts, producing a quickfire 53 (26b, 6x4, 3x6). The CSK skipper initiated his innings with trademark cover drives off Trent Boult, followed by a six and two boundaries off Mitchell Santner, as CSK amassed 62 for one in the PowerPlay. The Mumbai team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, mounted a counterattack when debutant left-arm wrist spinner Vignesh Puthur claimed three wickets in his first three overs, hindering the chase.
Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav counter-attacked after Mumbai lost three early wickets, but Noor Ahmad's three-wicket burst left them tottering at 96 for six.
The left-arm wrist spinner made an impact in his next over, dismissing Robin Minz, caught in the deep, and trapping Tilak leg-before two balls later. Deepak Chahar (28 n.o.) scored some crucial runs, smashing a few sixes, but his effort was ultimately in vain.