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 main points after the game was how short the spinners were. Yuzvendra Chahal was used. Chasing 165, Gujarat cruised to a four-wicket win thanks to a late six. Washington Sundar off Marcus Stoins.Punjab had a strong start to the season and had beaten Gujarat earlier, but their form has dipped at the crucial stage of the tournament. While the bowlers kept the contest alive, some tactical decisions during the chase made fans and pundits question the team’s approach.
Former Indian cricketer Muhammad Kaif It was surprising that Chahal bowled only one over in the entire innings. Experienced leg-spinner, who is the highest wicket-taker. IPL With 228 wickets the history was introduced in just the 14th over and finished with figures of 1 over for 13 runs.“I am surprised to see Yuzi Chahal, the highest wicket taker in IPL history, bowl only one over against GT. Remember he has 228 IPL wickets with 139 coming at Flat Chinnaswamy during his 8 years with RCB,” Kaif wrote on his X.Kaif admitted that the Ahmedabad pitch could be suitable for fast bowlers because of the grass surface, but still felt that Punjab should have shown more confidence in Chahal’s experience and wicket-taking ability.“Okay, there was grass in the pitch, but Chahal is a great IPL player, he could find ways to get wickets. Punjab need to trust him more,” Kaif added.Chahal was bought by Punjab for Rs 18 crore before the season, but he has taken only seven wickets in nine matches so far. With the race for the playoffs gathering pace, the franchise will hope that their star spinner finds form soon.
