New Delhi, April 15 (NationPress) Piyush Chawla, the former Indian leg-spinner, praised Ruturaj Gaikwad’s strategic brilliance during the Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) 32-run victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026. Chawla highlighted Gaikwad’s effective bowling changes and the deployment of Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj to dismantle KKR’s openers, Finn Allen and Sunil Narine.

Gaikwad's choice to keep spinner Akeal Hosein off the attack during the powerplay, countering KKR’s tactic of sending Narine in as an aggressive opener, proved to be effective as Khaleel removed him in the fifth over, while Kamboj quickly dismissed Allen. KKR ultimately faltered, managing only 160/7 in response to CSK's 192/5.

“Akeal Hosein didn’t bowl in the first six overs because KKR sent Narine to open, intending to target Akeal. However, Ruturaj was astute. Upon seeing Narine come out to open, he opted to use Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj with the new ball,” Chawla noted on Star Sports.

“This was an exemplary display of captaincy, as both bowlers succeeded in dismissing KKR’s opening duo of Finn Allen and Narine. Once Narine was out, Akeal Hosein was brought into the attack and performed excellently,” Chawla added.

He also emphasized that Gaikwad’s refusal to let the match drift showcased the qualities of a top captain. “The way Ruturaj managed his bowlers was impressive. His approach was aggressive, which is what you expect from a captain,” he stated.

“A captain's mindset should be to seize the opportunity to take wickets, as this builds pressure on the batting side. When Noor Ahmad and Akeal Hosein bowled in tandem, Ruturaj ensured the game didn’t prolong unnecessarily. He aimed to finish it off promptly, and he succeeded,” Chawla continued.

Chawla highlighted how Hosein's inclusion has enhanced CSK's bowling performance during powerplays. “Akeal Hosein has been bowling exceptionally. Previously, when he wasn’t in the XI, CSK’s bowling was lacking,” he remarked.

“However, since he joined the team, he has effectively controlled the powerplay overs where CSK previously struggled and conceded many runs. His impact on the opposition has been significant, as evident from his performances over the years across various teams and in the IPL,” he added.

Despite CSK's fielding errors preventing Hosein from taking more wickets, Chawla noted that his discipline was a standout aspect of his spell. “He consistently bowls good lengths and lines, making it hard for batters to score. Unfortunately for him against KKR, two catches were dropped off his bowling. Otherwise, he could have secured two or three wickets. Nevertheless, he bowled superbly,” Chawla concluded.