Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has questioned the Punjab Kings (PBKS)’ utilisation of lead spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in thefive-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday (April 3). Chopra wondered why Shreyas Iyer didn’t opt to bowl Chahal’s fourth over in the match despite him being the only bowler who didn’t concede any boundaries in the first innings, where CSK scored 209/5.
Chahal conceded 21 runs in his three overs, taking the wicket of CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, his last over was the 12th of the innings, and he substituted out in the 18th, with PBKS bringing in Priyansh Arya to open the second innings. The one thing that could have explained Chahal’s final over not being used was Shivam Dube’s presence on the crease,
though Chopra countered that with another example.
How did the only bowler who didn’t concede a single boundary not finish his quota of overs? The only spinner. The man is Yuzi Chahal.
Yes, Dube was there. But didn’t Jadeja dismiss him in Guwahati? 17 overs of pace meant one extra fielder inside the circle for the last 2 overs.…— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 3, 2026
“How did the only bowler who didn’t concede a single boundary not finish his quota of overs?” Chopra said on X. “The only spinner. The man is Yuzi Chahal. Yes, Dube was there. But didn’t (Ravindra) Jadeja dismiss him in Guwahati? 17 overs of pace meant one extra fielder inside the circle for the last 2 overs.”
In either case, the decision didn’t hurt PBKS at all because they were able to restrict CSK to a sub-par 209/5, which they chased down with five wickets and eight balls remaining.
Shivam Dube’s record against Yuzvendra Chahal
Perhaps PBKS holding back Chahal against Dube was a match-up thing. Dube has never gotten out to Chahal in the IPL, though he has only managed 23 runs off 20 balls in the contest.
More importantly, Chahal’s record against left-handers is poor — economy rate of 9.03 and an average of 31.2, compared to 7.31 and 19.5 against right-handers, respectively.
After the match, PBKS jumped to the top of the IPL 2026 points table, while CSK stumbled to the 10th spot.
