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Akeal Hosein's Length Advice Unlocks Noor Ahmad's Magic in CSK Win

Chennai Super Kings assistant coach Sridharan Sriram revealed that Akeal Hosein's on-field guidance helped Noor Ahmad find the perfect bowling length against Kolkata Knight Riders. Noor Ahmad, who had been wicketless in the first three games, delivered a match-winning spell of 3-21, exploiting the Chepauk surface. Sriram also mentioned that MS Dhoni advised the young spinner to bowl more leg breaks during the match. The effective spin partnership between Noor and Akeal, who combined for four wickets, was pivotal in CSK securing their second consecutive win.

Key Points: Akeal Hosein Guided Noor Ahmad's Bowling Length, Says Coach

  • Noor Ahmad took 3-21 vs KKR
  • Akeal Hosein gave crucial length advice
  • Spin duo shared four wickets
  • MS Dhoni advised more leg breaks
  • Win marks CSK's second straight victory
2 min read

IPL 2026: Akeal was the one who told Noor about the length needed to bowl, says Sriram

CSK coach reveals Akeal Hosein advised Noor Ahmad on perfect length, leading to a match-winning 3-21 spell against KKR in IPL 2026.

"Akeal was the one who went and told Noor about the length that he needed to bowl. - Sridharan Sriram"

Chennai, April 15

Chennai Super Kings assistant bowling coach Sridharan Sriram revealed that West Indies spin bowling all-rounder Akeal Hosein guided Afghanistan mystery spinner Noor Ahmad on the precise lengths required to exploit the Chepauk surface, as they beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 32 runs.

Noor and Akeal shared four wickets between themselves in their combined eight overs and conceded just 56 runs to leave KKR batting line-up in tatters. Noor in particular picked 3-21 and was the key in CSK getting their second straight win of the competition.

"They both communicate well, and they've got a very good understanding. I think Akeal was the one who went and told Noor about the length that he needed to bowl. Noor bowled a bit short in the first over, but once he found that in-between length, he was unplayable.

"Even MS (Dhoni, nursing a calf injury) had a long chat with him (Noor), asking him to bowl more leg breaks. It was really helpful today, and the results were there to show. The wicket helped and there was a little bit of hold for him. The other wickets were quite flat. He was a little bit slower through the air, there was more side spin on the ball, there was more drop," said Sriram at the conclusion of the game.

In CSK losing their first three games, Noor went wicketless and only got into the wickets tally in their 23-run win over Delhi Capitals, though his economy rate was still expensive. But on Tuesday night, Noor finally came to his best self to wreck KKR and raise hopes of forming a formidable spin bowling pair with Hosein.

"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 that there are going to be days where wickets are going to be very flat.

"But still looking to be aggressive, put revs on the ball and get 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," added Sriram.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally Noor Ahmad delivered! He was looking so expensive in the first few matches. Chepauk wicket is a spinner's paradise, but you still need the right guidance to exploit it. Good to see the coaching staff and senior pros stepping up.
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David E
As a neutral fan, it's fascinating to see this international collaboration within a franchise. A West Indian spinner helping an Afghan talent on an Indian pitch for an Indian team. The IPL truly is a global melting pot of cricket knowledge.
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Ananya R
Sriram is such an underrated coach. His technical insights are always spot on. The point about being aggressive and putting revs on the ball even on flat wickets is crucial. Defensive bowling in T20 is a death sentence.
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I think we're getting a bit carried away with one good performance. Noor was a liability for the first three games. Consistency is key. Let's see if he can do this on a non-Chepauk pitch before calling it a formidable pair.
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Sarah B
The mentor-mentee dynamics in IPL teams are so interesting. It's not just about coaching staff; the players themselves become teachers. This kind of knowledge sharing must be incredible for a young bowler like Noor.

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