Punjab Kings’ Chahal Gamble Backfires as Delhi Capitals Pull Off Stunning Chase

Yuzvendra Chahal was surprisingly kept out of the attack for the entire match as Punjab Kings suffered a shock defeat against Delhi Capitals in a high-scoring IPL 2026 encounter in Dharamsala.

For only the fourth time in his 185-match IPL career, Chahal did not bowl a single delivery. In an unusual sight for T20 cricket, all 39 overs in the game were bowled exclusively by pace bowlers, highlighting the seam-friendly conditions on offer.

Punjab Kings appeared to be in control early in Delhi’s chase of 211 after reducing them to 33 for 3 during the powerplay. However, Delhi Capitals staged a remarkable recovery to seal victory, leaving questions over PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer’s decision not to use the tournament’s highest wicket-taking spinner.

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out Show, former India opener Abhinav Mukund suggested Punjab may have missed an opportunity by not gambling on Chahal during the middle overs.

According to Mukund, Chahal should ideally have been introduced between overs 7 and 15, especially when pressure from the scoreboard could have forced Delhi’s batters into mistakes. He believed PBKS could have afforded an expensive over if it offered the chance of a breakthrough.

Mukund added that Chahal could have been tried between overs 7 and 10 while Axar Patel and Tristan Stubbs were at the crease, with Marcus Stoinis available as a backup option if the move failed.

Instead, Punjab relied on Stoinis and uncapped pacer Yash Thakur to bowl the crucial 18th and 19th overs when Delhi required 38 runs. The gamble backfired as Delhi’s batters attacked both bowlers aggressively to complete the chase.

Mukund also pointed out that modern T20 cricket has become increasingly difficult for wrist-spinners in the death overs, citing Krunal Pandya as one of the few spinners who has adapted successfully with variations and pace changes.

Delhi’s comeback was powered by David Miller, who scored his first half-century of the season after returning to the playing XI. Former New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan felt Chahal could have been particularly effective against Miller early in his innings.

McClenaghan observed that Miller can sometimes appear cautious against wrist-spin at the start of his innings and suggested Chahal’s googly might have posed a significant threat.

After the match, Shreyas Iyer admitted that using Chahal had been discussed during the innings. However, he explained that the strong assistance for seam bowling convinced Punjab to persist with their fast bowlers, though they ultimately failed to execute their plans effectively.

The defeat marked Punjab Kings’ fourth consecutive loss after beginning IPL 2026 with a seven-match unbeaten run. Despite the slump, PBKS remain in contention for a playoff spot with three league games still to play, including crucial fixtures against Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants.