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Bangar Slams PBKS for Not Using Chahal in Costly IPL Loss to DC

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar criticized Punjab Kings for not using Yuzvendra Chahal during Delhi Capitals' successful chase of 211 in their IPL clash. Bangar called it a tactical error by skipper Shreyas Iyer, noting Chahal is a proven match-winner. The loss marked PBKS' fourth consecutive defeat after starting the season strongly with six wins. Delhi Capitals achieved the highest successful IPL chase at HPCA stadium, reaching 216/7 with six balls to spare.

Key Points: Not Using Chahal a Big Mistake: Bangar on PBKS Loss

  • Sanjay Bangar calls not using Yuzvendra Chahal a big tactical error
  • PBKS lost 4th straight match after starting season with 6 wins
  • DC chased 211 with 6 balls left, highest at HPCA stadium
  • Axar Patel (56) and David Miller (51) led DC's revival
2 min read

'Not using Chahal was a big mistake': Bangar on PBKS loss

Sanjay Bangar criticizes Shreyas Iyer's tactical error of not bowling Yuzvendra Chahal in PBKS' IPL loss to DC. Read key quotes and match analysis.

"s and match analysis.QUOTE: Not giving him the ball was a big mistake. - Sanjay Bangar"

New Delhi, May 12

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes Punjab Kings made a crucial tactical error by not using leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal during Delhi Capitals' successful chase of 211 in their IPL 2026 clash at Dharamsala.

The defeat also marked Punjab's fourth consecutive loss after starting the season strongly with six wins.

Reacting on the result, the former Indian cricketer was particularly critical of skipper Shreyas Iyer's decision not to hand the ball to Chahal even once during the innings, despite the leg-spinner's reputation as a wicket-taker in pressure situations.

"I felt Shreyas Iyer made a tactical error by not using Yuzvendra Chahal. He should have bowled in the middle overs. Chahal is a proven match-winner with the ability to break partnerships. Not giving him the ball was a big mistake." Bangar told Jio Hotstar.

Bangar pointed to the moment after the ball was changed late in the innings as the ideal opportunity to introduce spin and challenge the set batters.

"He should have bowled at least one over, especially after the ball was changed at the end of the 13th over. That was the ideal time to introduce spin and create pressure. Small mistakes here and there cost Punjab the game," he added.

Bangar felt that Punjab failed to capitalise on a winning position and the bowlers lacked control during the latter stages of the innings, while the heavy dew further complicated their plans.

"Punjab Kings started the season strongly with six wins, but four straight losses since have hurt their confidence. This match against Delhi was there for the taking. They were in a winning position, but let it slip," Bangar said

"Their bowling attack lacked discipline, and the dew made it even harder to execute their plans. That allowed Delhi's batters to take charge," he added.

Speaking of the match, Delhi Capitals pulled off the highest successful IPL chase in HPCA stadium's history on Monday, reaching 216/7 with six balls remaining to secure a dramatic three-wicket win and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Punjab Kings appeared firmly in control after reducing DC to 38/3 inside five overs, but Axar Patel's 56 and David Miller's 51 revived the chase before debutant Madhav Tiwari's late cameo helped finish the job.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
I get the logic, but batting teams often target Chahal in dew conditions. Maybe Iyer was trying to protect his strike bowler? Hindsight is 20/20, but four straight losses suggest deeper issues in PBKS than just one bowling decision.
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Vikram M
As a die-hard PBKS fan since day one, I feel this loss in my bones. 😤 We had Delhi at 38/3 and then let them score 178 more! Chahal not bowling even one over is criminal. Iyer needs to be more proactive with captaincy. Bahut dukh hua yaar...
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Michael C
Tactical errors aside, Punjab's bowling attack has looked toothless in the death overs for weeks now. This isn't just about Chahal—they need better execution from all bowlers. Dew is a factor, but every team plays in those conditions.
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Aditya G
Respectfully disagree with Bangar here. When you have dew, spinners struggle to grip the ball. Maybe Iyer thought Chahal would leak runs. But then again, PBKS are in a spiral—four straight losses after 6 wins shows a mental block, not just tactics. Abhimaan hai par sach bhi bolna chahiye. 😞
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Rohit L
The thing is, with Chahal's experience, you need to back him even if conditions are tough. He's bowled in pressure situations across formats for India and RCB. Madhav Tiwari's cameo was brilliant, but PBKS let the game drift. Iyer's captaincy under the pump needs serious improvement.
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