Yuzvendra Chahal (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings suffered their second straight defeat in IPL 2026 after losing a close match against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad and one of the major points after the match was how small spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was used. Chasing 165, Gujarat sealed a four-wicket victory thanks to a late six from Washington Sundar off Marcus Stoinis.Punjab started the season strongly and even beat Gujarat earlier, but their form dipped at the crucial stage of the tournament. While the bowlers kept the match alive, some tactical decisions during the chase made fans and pundits question the team’s approach.
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Shikhar Dhawan on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, life after retirement and moreFormer Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif was surprised that Chahal bowled just one ball in the entire innings. The veteran leg-spinner, who is the highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 228 wickets, was introduced only in the 14th over and finished with figures of 1 over for 13 runs.“Surprised to see Yuzi Chahal highest wicket taker in IPL history just one past GT. Remember he has 228 ipl wickets 139 of which came at flat Chinnaswamy in 8 years with RCB,” Kaif wrote on his X.Kaif admitted that the pitch in Ahmedabad could have suited the fast bowlers because of the grass on the surface, but still felt that Punjab should have more faith in Chahal’s experience and wicket-taking ability.“Okay, the pitch had grass but Chahal is great IPL, he could find ways to get wickets. Punjab need to trust him more,” Kaif added.Chahal was bought by Punjab for INR 18 crore before the season, but he has taken only seven wickets in nine matches so far. As the playoff race heats up, the franchise will be hoping their star can find form quickly.
