Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has identified Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad as the "biggest problem" for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during their winless start to the IPL 2026 season.

While Noor was CSK's leading wicket-taker in the 2025 season with 24 scalps to his name, he has struggled significantly in the opening matches of the ongoing campaign.

CSK are currently languishing at the bottom of the points table after losing back-to-back games to Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

The dismal start has put CSK’s bowling unit under severe scrutiny, with Pathan pointing out that Noor has bowled approximately 10 overs across three matches this season, conceding over 100 runs without claiming a single wicket.

“He (Noor) is CSK's biggest problem right now. He has bowled around 10 overs this season and conceded over 100 runs. He does not have a single wicket,” Pathan said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

He noted that Noor's bowling arm is "falling on one side," affecting his body alignment and release.

“I believe that if he corrects the angle of his run-up, the alignment will improve, and his hand, which has been falling on one side, will become straighter as well,” Pathan added, highlighting technical flaws.

Irfan Pathan also expressed his disappointment with Matt Henry, who is considered an experienced international bowler but has looked ineffective so far. Henry went wicketless and conceded 36 runs in three overs against RCB.

“I am very disappointed with his bowling because he brings in a lot of experience. He has had strong performances and a good economy, but hasn't been able to perform like that in this league. An experienced bowler does not bowl a half-volley,” Pathan stated.

Pathan analysed key moments in the game, including a costly no-ball by Anshul Kamboj to Tim David that shifted the momentum.

“He (David) got bowled on a no-ball. Anshul Kamboj bluffed him, but giving Tim David a free hit means that you have become 'khatron ke khiladi' (someone who plays with danger),” he remarked.

Tim David went on to smash 70* off just 25 balls with 3 fours and 8 sixes. Pathan argued that CSK's bowlers inadvertently played into David's strengths by providing him width.

“Tim David usually stands outside the leg stump. So, bowling at the off stump gives him width. If the bowler thinks that he won't give room by bowling at the off stump, he is actually giving him room,” Pathan said.

“You have to bowl at the middle stump and leg stump; otherwise, he is going to hit you. You can block him initially, which Chennai did not do, and he took full advantage of that,” he concluded.