Bangar slams Iyer's tactical error: 'Not using Chahal cost PBKS the game'
Synopsis
Sanjay Bangar didn't mince words: Punjab Kings' loss to Delhi Capitals at Dharamsala came down to one glaring omission—Yuzvendra Chahal never bowled. With DC chasing 211 and winning with six balls to spare, Bangar argues the leg-spinner's absence in the middle overs, especially after the ball change in the 13th, was a captain's call that cost PBKS dearly. Four straight losses after six opening wins now threaten their playoff hopes.
Key Takeaways
Sanjay Bangar criticised Shreyas Iyer for not using Yuzvendra Chahal during DC's successful chase at Dharamsala on 12 May 2026 .
Delhi Capitals reached 216/7 to win the highest successful HPCA Stadium chase in IPL history.
Axar Patel scored 56 and David Miller hit 51 in the winning chase.
PBKS had reduced DC to 38/3 early but failed to capitalise on a dominant position.
Punjab's fourth consecutive loss follows six opening wins, threatening their playoff campaign.
Sanjay Bangar, the former India batting coach, has criticised Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer for failing to deploy leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal during Delhi Capitals' successful chase of 211 in their IPL 2026 encounter at Dharamsala on 12 May. The omission, Bangar argued, proved decisive as DC pulled off the highest successful chase in HPCA Stadium history, reaching 216/7 with six balls remaining.
The defeat marked PBKS's fourth consecutive loss after a promising start to the season with six wins, leaving the franchise's playoff hopes increasingly fragile.
Bangar's tactical critique
Speaking to media, Bangar was unsparing in his assessment of the captaincy call. "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 said.
The former India coach pinpointed a specific moment when the decision became most glaring: the ball change in the 13th over. "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 on the set batters," Bangar added.
Where Punjab's plan unravelled
PBKS had appeared to be in command after reducing DC to 38/3 inside five overs, but Axar Patel's unbeaten 56 and David Miller's 51 sparked a revival. Debutant Madhav Tiwari then provided crucial late-order support to seal the chase.
Bangar attributed the collapse to a combination of bowling indiscipline and environmental factors. "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 said. "Small mistakes here and there cost Punjab the game."
The broader pattern
Beyond the Chahal omission, Bangar highlighted a deeper concern: PBKS's inability to sustain early-season form. "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," he said.
The loss leaves PBKS needing a turnaround in their remaining fixtures to keep their IPL 2026 playoff campaign alive, with execution and captain's calls now under intense scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sanjay Bangar criticise Shreyas Iyer's captaincy in the PBKS vs DC match?
Bangar felt Iyer made a tactical error by not bowling Yuzvendra Chahal during Delhi's successful chase. Chahal is a proven match-winner and wicket-taker in pressure situations, and Bangar argued he should have been used in the middle overs, especially after the ball change in the 13th over when set batters were in the crease.
What was the final result of the PBKS vs DC match at Dharamsala?
Delhi Capitals won by three wickets, reaching 216/7 in response to Punjab's 211. It was the highest successful chase in HPCA Stadium IPL history, with DC winning with six balls remaining.
Who were the key performers in Delhi's chase?
Axar Patel scored an unbeaten 56, David Miller hit 51, and debutant Madhav Tiwari provided crucial late-order support to seal the win.
How has Punjab Kings' season progressed so far?
PBKS started strongly with six wins but has since suffered four consecutive losses, including the Dharamsala defeat. The streak threatens their playoff hopes and suggests a loss of momentum and confidence.
