Returning to CSK after a decade, R Ashwin marked his comeback with the dismissal of Will Jacks, leaving MI tottering at 36/3. Suryakumar Yadav (29) and Tilak Varma (31) steadied the innings with a 51-run stand, but Noor Ahmad’s mystery spin proved too much. A sharp stumping by MS Dhoni off Ahmad’s bowling sent Suryakumar packing, showcasing Dhoni’s ageless reflexes.
Ahmad continued his magic by dismissing both Varma and Robin Minz in quick succession, trapping Varma with a deceptive googly. His fourth victim was Naman Dhir, who misjudged a flick and got bowled. Deepak Chahar’s unbeaten 28 off 15 balls gave MI’s total some respectability, but Ahmad’s remarkable debut had already set CSK on the front foot.
With his dream start, Ahmad emerged as the key architect of CSK’s commanding position, highlighting the team’s astute spin strategy at Chepauk.
