Former South Africa fast-bowling nice Dale Steyn has raised critical issues over Shubman Gill’s captaincy after Gujarat Titans’ (GT) slender defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2026. Steyn particularly identified the delayed introduction of Prasidh Krishna as a key tactical error that will have value GT the sport.
Late bowling change raises eyebrows
Defending a modest complete of 162 in Mullanpur on March 31, Gujarat Titans discovered themselves on the again foot early as PBKS batters stored the chase underneath management. Regardless of having final season’s Purple Cap winner of their ranks, GT selected to carry again Prasidh till the thirteenth over — a transfer that left many stunned, together with Steyn.
By the point Prasidh was introduced into the assault, Punjab wanted simply 53 runs, with loads of wickets in hand. The choice appeared much more questionable given the match state of affairs, the place GT desperately wanted breakthroughs within the center overs.
As soon as launched, Prasidh made an instantaneous influence. The tall pacer picked up three essential wickets in his first two overs, immediately swinging momentum in GT’s favour and igniting hopes of a dramatic turnaround.
Nonetheless, the late surge proved inadequate. Punjab Kings managed to carry their nerve and chase down the goal with 5 balls to spare, regardless of dropping seven wickets within the course of. The sport in the end highlighted how timing and tactical consciousness can outline T20 outcomes.
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Dale Steyn questions Shubman Gill’s ways within the conflict in opposition to PBKS
Talking on ESPNcricinfo, Steyn recommended that Gujarat Titans are nonetheless looking for the correct steadiness early within the match. In line with him, the group mixture could have contributed to the mismanagement of bowling sources.
“They bought their wickets with him in the long run, however they left it too late. You might be at all times figuring your group within the first two video games. In order that they discovered themselves with one batter brief and one bowler too many. When that’s the case, any person will get under-bowled or bowled too late, like Prasidh right here. When he picks up three wickets in his first two overs, you begin to want you used him earlier. Siraj additionally bowled solely two overs, which tells you they’ve too many choices and are spoilt for alternative,” mentioned Steyn
Steyn emphasised the psychological problem for bowlers like Prasidh when launched late in high-pressure conditions. He defined that bowlers want time to settle into the rhythm of the sport quite than being requested to ship instantaneous breakthroughs.
“You need to get a really feel of the sport, if you’re Prasidh. It’s so tough to sit down on the bench after which immediately be tasked with making one thing occur. So for him to have the ability to do this and choose up a bunch of wickets was spectacular. However you need to have the ability to be within the sport earlier, get an over underneath the belt, and be just a little bit sweaty. Really feel the sport and the power of the sport to get the very best out of gamers. To attend so lengthy additionally places strain on the participant,” added Steyn.
Additionally READ: Followers go wild as Cooper Connolly holds his nerve to steer PBKS previous GT in IPL 2026 thriller
