IPL 2025: Ruturaj Gaikwad Hails Noor Ahmad as ‘X-Factor’ After CSK’s Four-Wicket Win Over MI

Skipper praises spinners’ impact at Chepauk but calls for more clinical batting after Rachin Ravindra’s unbeaten 65 guides CSK to victory.

Chennai, March 24: Following Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) hard-fought four-wicket win over arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2025 opener at Chepauk, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad lauded Noor Ahmad as the team’s ‘X-Factor’ and credited the spinners for setting up the win, though he admitted CSK could have been more clinical with the bat.

In the post-match presentation, Gaikwad said, “Happy to be on the winning side. We’d have liked to be more clinical, but that’s how the game goes. I shifted to No. 3 to give the team more balance, and I’m happy to adapt to the team’s needs. Our spinners were spot on. Right after the auction, we were excited about bowling our three spinners in tandem at Chepauk. Khaleel is experienced, Noor brings the X-factor, and having Ashwin adds strength.”

Gaikwad also praised MS Dhoni, noting, “He’s fitter than ever and still looks young.”

After opting to bowl first, CSK’s bowlers delivered early breakthroughs, with Khaleel Ahmed (3/29) removing key MI batters and leaving the visitors struggling at 36/3. A 51-run stand between Suryakumar Yadav (29 off 26) and Tilak Varma (31 off 25) briefly steadied MI before Noor Ahmad (4/18) unleashed a game-changing spell to derail their innings. A fighting cameo from Deepak Chahar (28 off 15)* pushed MI to 155/9 in 20 overs.

In response, CSK lost Rahul Tripathi early, but a blistering 67-run partnership between skipper Gaikwad (53 off 26) and Rachin Ravindra (65 off 45)* laid the foundation. MI debutant Vignesh Puthur (3/32) threatened to tilt the match, reducing CSK to 116/5. However, Rachin held firm alongside Ravindra Jadeja (17 off 18) to guide CSK home with five balls and four wickets to spare.

The win gave CSK early momentum in their IPL campaign and highlighted their spin-heavy strategy at home.