IPL 2026: Aakash Chopra raises concerns over Shubman Gill's captaincy against Punjab Kings
Former Indian cricketer & present commentator Aakash Chopra raised questions on Shubman Gill’s captaincy during match no. 4 of the Indian Premier League 2026 against the Punjab Kings. Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans suffered a loss of 3 wickets against PBKS in this match. Chopra appeared quite surprised by Shubman Gill's decision to introduce Prasidh Krishna into the bowling attack late.
Krishna was the leading wicket-taker for GT against PBKS. He was introduced in the 13th over of the PBKS innings as an impact player. At that time, PBKS already reached 110/2 in 12 overs, while chasing 163. Prasidh Krishna made a tremendous impact on the match the moment he got the ball in his hands, taking three wickets and orchestrating a comeback for Gujarat. Prasidh Krishna took the wickets of Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, and Shashank Singh. However, Cooper Connolly held his nerve and finished the match for PBKS. Krishna’s bowling figures were 29/3 in 4 overs at an economy rate of 7.25.
Aakash Chopra asked why Shubman Gill didn’t introduce the IPL 2025’ purple cap holder ' in the first 12 overs.
"What exactly has happened to Shubman Gill's captaincy? I am surprised that, despite Krishna being in the squad, he wasn't handed the ball until the 12th over. And to think—you entrust him with the ball only after 12 overs, when the opposition almost sealed the match; yet, he goes on to take 3 wickets in 3 overs, turning the game into a thrilling contest. But what is the point?" he asked.
"Why, after all, was he listed as an 'Impact Player' for the match, when Ashok Kumar was already a part of the Playing XI? If, during the match, the score had slumped to 50 for 5, would you have sent Kumar Kushagra out to bat, leaving Prasidh without even getting a chance to play? How could you possibly think that way?" he added.
Apart from that, Aakash Chopra also expressed surprise that Mohammed Siraj was not allowed to bowl his full quota of four overs. He questioned why Siraj was not given his four-over quota and why preference was given to Ashok Kumar over him.
"During the match, Mohammed Siraj still had two overs remaining. You placed your trust in Ashok Kumar—which is fair enough—but Siraj was also available at that moment. Shubman Gill's leadership was far from ideal. I don't know what to say. Why did Prasidh Krishna have to wait so long? Chopra asked, "Why wasn't Siraj given his full quota of overs?"
