Noise for Dhoni Was Unreal, Ash is World Class! Rachin Ravindra Open Talk

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) Rachin Ravindra hailed the team’s spin bowling arsenal, spearheaded by the “world-class” Ravichandran Ashwin, as the cornerstone of their convincing four-wicket triumph over Mumbai Indians (MI) in their IPL opener on Sunday night at Chepauk.

Ravindra, who remained unbeaten on 65 off 45 balls, credited the spin depth—highlighted by Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad’s sensational 4/18—for restricting MI to 155/9, setting the stage for CSK’s chase.

“Ash is a world-class performer. His experience, cricket knowledge, and the way he talks about spin bowling are invaluable,” Ravindra said at the post-match press conference. “He’s a great thinker and reader of the game.

Sharing the field with these legends I grew up watching is an honor.” While Ashwin chipped in with a disciplined 1/31, Noor Ahmad’s spell turned the tide. “Our spin depth gives us balance—if someone’s off, another steps up,” Ravindra added.

Chasing 156, Ravindra anchored the innings, forging a 67-run stand with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (53 off 26). Despite a mid-innings wobble that left CSK at 116/5, Ravindra and Ravindra Jadeja (17) steered them to 152/6. “Opening for CSK is special—following in the footsteps of heroes like Hussey, Watson, and McCullum. But it’s a long tournament, so I’ll take it game by game,” he said.

Ravindra showered praise on Gaikwad’s elegance—“Rutu’s class made my job easier on a tricky wicket”—and Jadeja’s composure—“Jaddu’s experience and calmness are unmatched.” The Chepauk crowd erupted when Mahendra Singh Dhoni walked in, but it was Ravindra who finished the game with a six off Mitchell Santner.

“The noise for Dhoni was unreal. Sharing the crease with him was cool, but I had to focus on finishing the job. He’s a legend—plenty more to come from him,” he said.

He also tipped his hat to MI’s debutant left-arm wrist spinner Vignesh Puthur, who took 3/32. “He bowled brilliantly, challenging us with skill. Getting Rutu, Dubey, and Hooda—experienced players—shows his talent.”

Meanwhile, MI bowling coach Paras Mhambrey provided an optimistic update on Jasprit Bumrah, sidelined for the opener. “His rehab at the NCA is on track. He’s a big part of MI, and we’re happy with his progress—details will follow soon,” Mhambrey said.