NOOR AHMAD DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER

Noor's coach in Afghanistan opens up about how the wrist-spinner emerged to become a star in Chennai

- FIROZ MIRZA @ Mumbai

A miserly spell of 4-0-13-0 by Noor Ahmad was crucial as Chennai Super Kings snapped their five-match losing streak in Lucknow on Monday. While captain MS Dhoni walked away with the Player of the Match award with his 11-ball 26 coupled with some brilliant work behind the stumps, Noor also played a big role in restricting Lucknow Super Giants to 166/7.

The 20-year-old left-arm wrist spinner from Afghanistan is the leading wicket-taker of the 2025 IPL at the moment with 12 scalps from seven matches so far. Often referred to as a baby-faced assassin, Noor hardly goes into overdrive while celebrating a wicket. Unlike cricketers of his age, he is in full control of his emotions on the field. Despite playing for one of the biggest franchises of the IPL, who bought him for a whopping ₹10 crore in the mega auction, Noor is usually calm and composed.