James Hopes: PBKS Need to Get Chahal More Involved in Matches

Punjab Kings’ fast-bowling coach James Hopes believes the team needs to find a better way to utilize Yuzvendra Chahal, who has had a slow and inconsistent start to IPL 2025. The veteran legspinner has managed just two wickets in five games, with an expensive economy rate of 11.13 – the worst of his IPL career so far.

Chahal, bought for a hefty INR 18 crore at the last auction after being released by Rajasthan Royals, has struggled to find rhythm and relevance in PBKS’ pace-dominated attack. Despite being one of the IPL’s all-time leading wicket-takers, he has completed his full quota of four overs in only two of the five matches so far.

“In our bowling attack, we need to get Yuzi [Chahal] into the game more than we’re doing,” Hopes said ahead of PBKS’ upcoming match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). “He’s just struggling to get into the game at the moment. Like against Chennai, he bowled just one over – a very good over at a crucial time – but it’s about getting him into the tournament now.”

Underutilized and Under Pressure

Chahal’s limited role in recent matches has raised eyebrows, particularly after he was brought on as late as the 17th over during PBKS’ 18-run win against Chennai Super Kings. That solitary over cost just nine runs, but he wasn’t used again.

PBKS have relied heavily on their pace options, with their spinners bowling only 26 overs across five games – the fewest for any team this season. By contrast, three franchises have already bowled more than 50 overs of spin.

“We’re very pace-heavy at the moment,” Hopes acknowledged. “We need to find a way to get more spin into our bowling attack, and hopefully, we see that over the next few games. For us to win the IPL, we’re going to need him.”

Chahal, who won the Purple Cap in 2022 with 27 wickets and has followed it up with strong seasons in 2023 and 2024, has yet to replicate that form in a PBKS shirt. His average this season stands at 83.50 – far off his usual standards.

Favorable Match-Up Ahead?

PBKS will be hoping that Chahal can turn things around against KKR, a side he has historically enjoyed playing against. With 29 wickets in 22 matches, KKR is his second-most successful opponent in the IPL. His best figures of 5 for 40 also came against them in 2022. He has a strong match-up against KKR opener Quinton de Kock but is yet to be used in the powerplay this season.

Fielding Woes Add to PBKS Troubles

Another issue hampering PBKS this season has been their poor fielding. According to Hopes, the team has dropped 12 catches already – including one by Chahal himself, which allowed Abhishek Sharma to go from 56 to a record-breaking 141 in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s massive chase of 246.

“Yeah, it’s not just the last match that concerns me,” Hopes said. “We’ve dropped 12 catches this tournament, and that’s a bit of a worry. If we had taken those, we might be sitting here with a 4-1 record instead of 2-3. All we can do is keep working on it.”

Despite a shaky start to the season, PBKS remain optimistic that their core players – including Chahal – can bounce back in the crucial coming weeks. Their next challenge awaits in Mullanpur against KKR, where all eyes will be on whether Chahal is finally given a larger role.

PBKS’ Next Match: vs Kolkata Knight Riders, April 16, Mullanpur
Yuzvendra Chahal – IPL 2025 Stats So Far: 5 matches | 2 wickets | Economy: 11.13 | Average: 83.50