Punjab Kings’ misfiring bowling plan came under heavy scrutiny after Yuzvendra Chahal was left unused for the entire match during PBKS’ three-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. The defeat extended Punjab’s slide to a fourth straight loss, wiping out the advantage they had built after starting the campaign with six consecutive wins and putting a dent in their push to reclaim the top spot in the points table.
PBKS’ slump, bowling worries and costly moments
The narrative around Punjab remained the same even after this defeat: concerns with both bowling and fielding continued to follow them. This season, the franchise has managed to take the fewest wickets among all teams, and on the day, dropped chances at key intervals once again turned into a turning point as Delhi pulled off one of the most dramatic chases of the tournament.
- Chahal did not bowl a single over in PBKS’ match against Delhi.
- PBKS suffered a fourth consecutive defeat after a perfect run of six straight wins to begin the tournament.
- Punjab still have the lowest wicket tally among all teams this season.
- Missed chances in crucial phases proved expensive during Delhi’s chase.
Delhi’s chase: pressure at 33/3, breakthrough from Axar
Set a target of 211 in Dharamshala, Delhi Capitals were placed under immediate strain, slipping to 33/3. They then found themselves in further trouble at 74/4, but skipper Axar Patel changed the momentum with a rapid 56 off 30 balls.
After Axar’s acceleration, David Miller provided stability and finishing power, striking 51 off 28 deliveries. Ashutosh Sharma complemented the chase with 24 off 10 balls, helping Delhi keep moving in the right direction. The effort also had a significant contribution from Madhav Tiwari, who made his mark both ways—figures of 2/40 with the ball and an unbeaten 18 off eight during the chase.
With the match hanging in the balance, Auqib Nabi finally closed it out in style, sealing the win with a four and a six in his unbeaten 10 off just two balls.
- Target: 211 runs in Dharamshala.
- Delhi were struggling at 33/3 and later 74/4.
- Axar Patel: 56 off 30 balls (turning point innings).
- David Miller: 51 off 28 deliveries (anchored the chase).
- Ashutosh Sharma: 24 off 10 balls.
- Madhav Tiwari: 2/40 with the ball and 18* off 8 in the chase.
- Auqib Nabi: 10* off 2 balls, finishing with a four and a six.
Punjab’s start with the bat—and the comeback that followed
Before Delhi’s chase exploded, Punjab Kings looked in control early. They dominated the powerplay with Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, racing to 51 without loss in the first three overs. Arya led the charge with a fearless 56 off 33 balls, smashing six sixes in the process. However, the innings ended in disappointment as Delhi engineered a remarkable comeback and eventually completed the chase.
- Punjab reached 51/0 in three overs during the powerplay.
- Priyansh Arya scored 56 off 33 balls with six sixes.
- Despite the strong start, Punjab couldn’t sustain momentum as Delhi staged a comeback.
Why Chahal didn’t play a role: Bahutule’s explanation
Punjab Kings spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule addressed the decision to keep Chahal out of the attack. He said the team believed the conditions were supporting the pacers, with the ball moving enough to justify sticking with fast bowling rather than bringing spinners into the contest.
Bahutule explained that while there was a thought of using spinners during the time-out, the ball was seaming and the match environment appeared to favour the quicks. He said the call was made spontaneously to continue with pace and look for breakthroughs, adding that early wickets did come—but one partnership ultimately shifted the game away from PBKS.
In his words, there was consideration for bowling spin during the time-out, yet the seam and conditions made pace the more effective option at that moment. He stressed the decision was taken on instinct to maintain the fast-bowling approach and try to pick up wickets early, but added that a single stand took control of the match.
Backing the squad: no major changes expected
Even with the losing streak, Punjab’s support staff remains confident about the squad’s overall balance and its ability to respond quickly. Bahutule suggested the team would review specific areas, but indicated there would be no sweeping alterations, noting that players have contributed in different moments across the tournament.
He said PBKS are still a side that has done well in the competition overall. While they have lost a few matches, the focus would be on reflecting on certain aspects rather than making major changes, as everyone has played a role at various stages. The immediate task, he added, is to find a way to turn things around quickly.
