Punjab Kings may have pulled off another strong 200-plus chase, but a key captaincy call by Shreyas Iyer has sparked debate after their win over Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra openly criticised Iyer for not completing Yuzvendra Chahal’s full quota of overs, despite the leg-spinner being highly effective.
Chahal bowled just three overs, conceding only 21 runs while picking up a wicket. Notably, he did not give away a single boundary in his spell, making his underuse stand out even more.
Tactical Call Raises Eyebrows
Instead of bringing Chahal back, Iyer handed the 18th over to Priyansh Arya. This decision came even with Shivam Dube at the crease, a batter known to target spinners.
Chopra questioned the logic behind the move, saying, “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.”
He also pointed out a tactical impact. With Punjab bowling 17 overs of pace, the team had to keep an extra fielder inside the circle in the final two overs, which could have been risky in a tight game.
Chopra added, “17 overs of pace meant one extra fielder inside the circle for the last 2 overs,” underlining how team balance was affected.
Result masks the decision
Despite the questionable call, the move did not hurt Punjab Kings in the end. They successfully chased down a 200-plus total to beat CSK by five wickets in another confident performance.
Iyer, however, focused on the positives after the match. He praised the team’s aggressive start and the impact of the openers.
Priyansh Arya smashed 39 off just 11 balls, giving PBKS early momentum. Iyer himself followed it up with a quick fifty off 26 balls to guide the chase.
Speaking after the match, Iyer said, “The way we began was exceptional. Priyansh and Prabh are doing a great job at the start, setting the platform.”
He also stressed the team’s mindset, adding that players are focused on internal goals rather than outside expectations.
“We just decided in the dressing room to focus on impressing each other rather than anyone else. It also gives a certain clarity,” he explained.
While Punjab continue to impress with the bat, this tactical call shows that even in victory, captaincy decisions remain under the spotlight.