NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings endured a second consecutive loss in IPL 2026, going down in a tight contest to Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. The defeat sparked immediate debate, with attention turning to Yuzvendra Chahal’s limited role in the match. Gujarat, chasing 165, secured victory by four wickets, with Washington Sundar striking a late six off Marcus Stoinis to help seal the chase.
Punjab’s slump after a bright start
Punjab had begun the season well and even managed to beat Gujarat earlier in the campaign. However, as the tournament reaches a decisive phase, their momentum has faded. Although the bowling kept the contest competitive for much of the game, several tactical calls during the chase became a talking point, leaving fans and commentators questioning Punjab’s game plan.
Chahal’s overs draw strong reaction
One of the biggest issues highlighted after the match was how rarely Chahal was deployed. Former India batter Mohammad Kaif said he was taken aback by the fact the leg-spinner delivered just a single over across the entire innings.
- Kaif noted that Chahal, who holds the IPL record for the most wickets with 228, was used only once in the match.
- He pointed out that Chahal was introduced in the 14th over and finished with figures of 1 over for 13 runs.
- Kaif suggested that the pitch conditions may not have fully justified such limited usage, arguing that Chahal should have been given more opportunities to strike.
What Kaif said
In his post on X, Kaif wrote that it was surprising to see the leading wicket-taker in IPL history bowl just one over against Gujarat Titans. He also referenced Chahal’s experience and impact at the venue, adding that 139 of his 228 IPL wickets have come on the flat at Chinnaswamy during his eight-year spell with Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Kaif acknowledged that the Ahmedabad surface may have offered more help to fast bowlers because of the grass, but he still believed Punjab should have trusted Chahal’s reputation and wicket-taking instincts.
- He said that even if there was grass on the track, Chahal’s skills should have allowed him to find a way to take wickets.
- He concluded by urging Punjab to show greater faith in the spinner as the playoff race intensifies.
Chahal’s tournament numbers and the road ahead
Punjab had snapped up Chahal for INR 18 crore ahead of IPL 2026. Yet, so far he has taken only seven wickets in nine matches. With the franchise fighting for a place in the playoffs, they will be hoping that the star leg-spinner finds rhythm quickly—before the margin for error narrows.
