CSK Start Strong with a Win, Led by Noor, Ravindra, and Gaikwad

Debutant Vignesh Puthur made an impact with three wickets for Mumbai Indians, but Chennai Super Kings secured a comfortable victory in the end.

Match Summary:

Chennai Super Kings 158 for 6 (Ravindra 65, Gaikwad 53, Puthur 3-32) beat Mumbai Indians 155 for 9 (Tilak 31, Noor 4-18, Khaleel 3-29) by four wickets.*

Chennai Super Kings’ off-season bowling acquisitions proved their worth right from the start, as their four new bowlers combined to take nine wickets, restricting Mumbai Indians to a modest 155 for 9. Although CSK’s chase was mostly smooth, they faced a brief challenge from debutant left-arm wristspinner Vignesh Puthur, who is yet to make his senior domestic debut.

However, it was another left-arm wristspinner—one younger than Puthur but far more experienced—who stole the show. Noor Ahmad delivered a career-best IPL performance and recorded the best figures for a CSK spinner against MI, finishing with 4 for 18. His efforts built on the early breakthroughs provided by Khaleel Ahmed, who also impressed on his CSK debut, taking 3 for 29 in his four overs, including both MI openers.

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad made the run chase look effortless, racing to 53 off just 26 balls. By the ninth over, the required rate was down to a run a ball, seemingly paving the way for an easy victory. However, Puthur’s deceptive spin briefly halted CSK’s progress, as three batters mistimed their shots and were caught in the deep. Despite the stumble, Rachin Ravindra held firm, guiding CSK home with a composed, unbeaten 65 off 45 deliveries.

In the end, CSK closed out the game with four wickets in hand, starting their campaign on a winning note.