Yuzvendra Chahal (PTI Photo) Punjab Kings’ bowling strategy came under scrutiny after star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was not used for a single over during their heartbreaking three-wicket defeat by Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. The loss marked PBKS’ fourth straight defeat after opening the tournament with six straight wins, costing them a golden opportunity to reclaim the top spot in the points table.Bowling and fielding concerns continued to haunt Punjab, with the side still taking the fewest wickets of any team this season. Dropping catches at crucial moments again proved costly as Delhi Capitals staged one of the most dramatic chases of the campaign.
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Mahela Jayawardene reflects on MI’s disappointing IPL 2026 campaignChasing 211 in Dharamshala, Delhi were in deep trouble at 33/3 and later 74/4 before captain Axar Patel turned the game around with 56 off 30 balls. David Miller then anchored the chase brilliantly with 51 off 28 deliveries while Ashutosh Sharma added a quick 24 off 10 balls. Young all-rounder Madhav Tiwari also played a crucial role, contributing 2/40 with an unbeaten 18 off eight balls during the chase. Auqib Nabi eventually sealed a thrilling victory with a four and a six in his unbeaten 10 off just two deliveries.They had earlier dominated the Punjab Kings power play through Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh as they scored 51 for no loss in just three overs. Priyansh smashed a fearless 56 off 33 balls, including six sixes, but the innings ultimately ended in disappointment as Delhi planned a remarkable comeback.Explaining why Chahal was not brought into the attack, Punjab Kings spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule said the team felt the conditions favored the pacers.“There was definitely some thought of bowling during the time-out, but the ball was bending and the conditions favored the fast bowlers. The decision was very spontaneous to go ahead with the pacers and try to pick wickets, which we did early on. But one partnership just took the game away from us,” Bahutule said.Despite the losing streak, the PBKS support staff remains confident in the team’s balance and ability to bounce back.“It’s still a team that did very well in the tournament. Yes, we lost a few games, but we’ll only reflect on certain areas. There won’t be any big changes because everyone has contributed at different stages. We just have to find a way to turn things around quickly,” he added.
