Mohammad Kaif Questions Punjab Kings’ Use of Yuzvendra Chahal After Loss to Gujarat Titans

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has questioned Punjab Kings’ decision to underuse leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal during their narrow defeat to the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League 2026, calling for greater trust in one of the tournament’s most successful bowlers.

Punjab Kings lost the contest by four wickets in Ahmedabad on Sunday, but attention quickly turned to Chahal’s limited role. The veteran spinner bowled just one over, conceding 13 runs, in a match where his experience could have proved decisive.

Kaif, reacting on social media, said the decision was difficult to understand given Chahal’s track record. “It surprises me to see a highest wicket taker of IPL history Yuzi Chahal bowl just one over against GT. Remember he has 228 IPL wickets in which 139 have come on the flat Chinnaswamy during his 8 years with RCB,” he wrote.

While acknowledging that pitch conditions may have influenced the team’s strategy, Kaif argued that a bowler of Chahal’s calibre has the ability to adapt. “Ok, the pitch had grass but Chahal is an IPL great he could have found ways to get wickets. Punjab needs to trust him more,” he added.

On the field, Gujarat Titans sealed the win in a last-over finish at the Narendra Modi Stadium, successfully chasing 164 in 19.5 overs. Contributions from Sai Sudharsan, who scored 57, and Washington Sundar, who remained unbeaten on 40, guided the chase after early setbacks.

Earlier, Punjab Kings posted 163/9, recovering from a shaky start through a 79-run partnership between Suryansh Shedge (57) and Marcus Stoinis (40). However, a four-wicket haul from Jason Holder restricted their total and proved decisive in the end.

Holder, who removed key batters including Shreyas Iyer and Marcus Stoinis, was named Player of the Match for his figures of 4/24.

The result lifted Gujarat Titans to sixth place in the standings with 12 points, while Punjab Kings remained at the top with 13, despite the loss.

Even so, Kaif’s remarks have reignited debate over team strategy, particularly the management of experienced match-winners in high-pressure games.

(With inputs from ANI)