Chahal 'Main Puzzle' Punjab Kings Must Solve in Playoff Quest, Says Piyush Chawla

Chahal 'Main Puzzle' Punjab Kings Must Solve in Playoff Quest, Says Piyush Chawla

Yuzvendra Chahal’s underwhelming start to the IPL 2025 season has emerged as a significant concern for Punjab Kings (PBKS), with legspin veteran Piyush Chawla calling the out-of-form spinner "the main puzzle" PBKS need to solve as they push for a spot in the playoffs.

Chahal, who made history last year as the first bowler to reach 200 wickets in the IPL, has managed just two wickets in five matches this season. More worryingly, he has an economy rate of 11.13 – a career-worst – and has failed to complete his full quota of overs in three of those games. In Saturday’s game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he conceded 56 runs in his four overs as PBKS were unable to defend a massive 245-run total.

Chawla, speaking on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut show, pointed out a stark change in Chahal’s approach. "He almost got a wicket when he created a chance off his own bowling, but beyond that, when both Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head went after him, he just didn’t look like the Chahal we are used to seeing," said Chawla. "He wasn’t trying to get the batters out. He was bowling defensively – tossing it wide and safe."

Chawla also noted a surprising absence of Chahal’s trademark googlies. "I haven’t seen him bowl many googlies this season. Against left-handers, if you're bowling wide and away, there's always a chance to get a wicket, but he didn’t go for that. Maybe it's the lack of form or confidence."

Chahal, now playing for PBKS after being bought for a record INR 18 crore in the auction – the highest ever for a spinner – has bowled just 15 overs across five games. His economy rate, the highest of his IPL career, has raised eyebrows for a bowler renowned for being both attacking and effective in the middle overs.

With PBKS having won three out of five matches so far, concerns are growing over how long they can continue to thrive if their lead spinner remains off-colour.

Former India batter and PBKS batting coach Wasim Jaffer also weighed in, saying, "The few deliveries where he picked up Travis Head’s wicket showed glimpses of the Chahal we know – turning the ball, bowling googlies, adding revs. But he’s playing with a defensive mindset. The pressure is visible on his face."

Jaffer stressed that Chahal is central to PBKS’s playoff hopes. "If Punjab wants to be a strong contender, they need Chahal firing. He's the main puzzle they need to solve."

As the league stage intensifies, all eyes will be on how Chahal responds – and whether Punjab Kings can unlock his best before it's too late.

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