PBKS Underutilizing Chahal’s Spin Prowess, Admits Coach Hopes

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are facing a critical challenge in maximizing the potential of their star leg-spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal, in the ongoing IPL 2025. Bowling coach James Hopes acknowledged the team’s struggles to effectively integrate Chahal into their bowling strategy, a concern that has become increasingly apparent in their first five matches. Despite a hefty price tag of INR 18 crore in the last auction, Chahal has managed only two wickets at a disappointing average of 83.50 and an economy rate of 11.13, his worst IPL season performance to date. This starkly contrasts with his historical IPL success, which includes winning the Purple Cap in 2022 with 27 wickets for Rajasthan Royals.
Hopes addressed the issue ahead of PBKS’s upcoming match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), stating, “With our bowling attack, we need to get Yuzi into the game more than we’re doing; he’s just struggling to get into the game at the moment.” The coach highlighted Chahal’s tidy, albeit brief, spell against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he conceded only nine runs in the 17th over but wasn’t utilized further. Hopes emphasized Chahal’s importance to the team’s success, stating, “He bowled a very good over [against CSK], but it’s just about getting him into the tournament. We’re five games in, and for us to win the IPL, we’re gonna need him.”
PBKS’s heavy reliance on pace bowling this season is evident in their spin bowling statistics. They have bowled the fewest overs of spin (26) among all teams, with three other teams having already surpassed 50 overs. Recognizing the need for a tactical shift, Hopes admitted, “I think we need to find a way to get more spin into our bowling attack, and hopefully, we see that over the next few games.” Chahal’s impressive record against KKR, with 29 wickets in 22 innings, including his best IPL figures of 5 for 40, offers a glimmer of hope for a turnaround.
However, PBKS’s concerns extend beyond Chahal’s underutilization. Their fielding has been plagued by dropped catches, with a staggering 12 misses this season. Hopes expressed his frustration, stating, “If we took care of our catches, I could be sitting here with us having a four-and-one record. Dropped catches happen, and they’re happening a bit to us in the last few games. But if that turns a little bit, and our boys start holding on to them, start getting a couple of half-chances, well, hopefully we’re on the right side of the ledger going forward.” Currently languishing in the lower half of the IPL table with only one win from five matches, PBKS faces a crucial juncture in their campaign. The upcoming match against KKR will be a litmus test, not only for Chahal’s role in the attack but also for PBKS’s ability to address their fielding woes and revive their season before it’s too late.