Punjab Kings slipped to a second straight IPL 2026 defeat against Gujarat Titans, and debate quickly centred on why Yuzvendra Chahal bowled just one over. Gujarat chased 165 and won by four wickets, with Washington Sundar finishing the game with a late six off Marcus Stoinis.
Former India player Mohammad Kaif questioned the decision on social media, pointing to Chahal's record and experience.
Kaif wrote on X, "It surprises me to see the highest wicket taker of IPL history Yuzi Chahal bowl just one over against GT. Remember he has 228 ipl wickets in which 139 have come on the flat Chinnaswamy during his 8 years with RCB. "
Yuzvendra Chahal and IPL 2026 bowling tactics under focus
Punjab had beaten Gujarat earlier in IPL 2026 and opened the season with promise, yet form has faded at an important stage.
The bowlers stretched the contest in Ahmedabad, but choices during Gujarat's chase, especially Chahal's late introduction, raised questions among analysts and supporters about the strategic thinking.
Chahal, the leading wicket-taker in IPL history with 228 wickets, entered the attack only in the 14th over and conceded 13 runs in that single over. Punjab bought Chahal for INR 18 crore before IPL 2026, but the leg-spinner has claimed only seven wickets in nine matches so far this season.
| Player | Tournament | Total IPL wickets | Wickets at Chinnaswamy | IPL 2026 matches | IPL 2026 wickets | Auction price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yuzvendra Chahal | IPL 2026 | 228 | 139 | 9 | 7 | 18 crore |
Kaif accepted that the Ahmedabad surface, with visible grass, favoured fast bowlers more than spinners. However, Kaif felt Punjab should still have leaned on Chahal's skill and record, adding, "Ok, the pitch had grass, but Chahal is an IPL great he could have found ways to get wickets. Punjab needs to trust him more," With the playoff race tightening, Punjab will look for a stronger impact from the senior spinner in upcoming games.
