Former Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla questioned Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer for not utilising Yuzvendra Chahal after they suffered a three-wicket loss against Delhi Capitals at Dharamshala in the ongoing IPL 2026 on Monday.

Defending a par score of 211 runs, PBKS had DC under the cosh at 33-3 after 4.3 overs. However, on a pitch, which was assisting the fast bowlers, Iyer decided not to back Yuzvendra Chahal. 

Chahal has been in decent form in the ongoing IPL 2026, taking eight wickets in nine innings at an average of 35.75 and an economy rate of 9.53. The leg-spinner had created a lot of chances in the previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad but PBKS fielders had failed to grab them.

Piyush Chawla said on Star Sports, “We saw that the match was very much under control, but not using Yuzvendra Chahal. People have somewhat made up their minds that spinners won’t be effective in Dharamshala, but you still need to use them. You have an international leg-spinner in your squad. At least bring him in and give him an over to try. Because as far as I believe, he bowls better than Stoinis with the ball.”

Chawla questioned Iyer for giving three overs to Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who conceded 44 runs and picked one wicket.

He added, “Just like Shreyas said that the ball was seaming there, because of that his thinking was that he leaned more towards fast bowlers. But I believe you had four proper fast bowlers, if Vyshak was available there, it would make sense. However, Stoinis is a bowler who can give you only one or two overs.

“And especially on the Dharamshala pitch, even though the ball swings there, a lot of runs are still scored. Because first of all, it is a high-altitude ground, the ball travels more. Many times, even shots that shouldn’t go for runs end up going because batters are able to use the pace,” he added.

PBKS will next take on Mumbai Indians at Dharamshala on Thursday.