When Punjab Kings (PBKS) splurged a staggering ₹18 crore for Yuzvendra Chahal at the IPL 2025 mega auction, it was seen as a bold and strategic move. The veteran leg-spinner, known for his match-winning spells and experience, was expected to be a cornerstone of PBKS’s bowling attack this season.
But just three games in, the cracks are already showing—and they’re hard to ignore.
So far in IPL 2025, Chahal has taken only one wicket while averaging a dismal 102.00 with an economy of 10.2. What’s even more worrying for the Kings is that Chahal has bowled his full quota of four overs just once in these three games, getting hit out of the attack regularly.
In their recent match against Rajasthan Royals in Mullanpur, Chahal’s limited role came back to haunt PBKS. Having to compensate, the team turned to all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. Despite a promising start with the ball, Stoinis leaked 36 runs in his final two overs, allowing Rajasthan to post a daunting 205.
The worrying trend continues when you dive deeper into Chahal’s match-ups. Against right-handers this season, he’s been fairly effective—conceding just 27 runs off 25 deliveries. But against left-handers, it’s been a nightmare: 75 runs off 35 balls, including 11 boundaries. With most teams stacking lefties in the top and middle-order, Chahal’s vulnerability is being ruthlessly exposed.
Worse still, this isn’t an isolated dip. Since the second half of IPL 2024, Chahal has played 15 matches, picking up just 13 wickets at an average of 45.6 and an economy rate of 10.2. He has gone wicketless or taken just one wicket in 12 of those 15 games—an alarming stat for someone of his stature.
While PBKS fans may still hope Chahal finds his rhythm as the tournament progresses, the numbers suggest otherwise. Right now, that ₹18 crore investment is looking more like a liability than a masterstroke. If the slide continues, Punjab could be left asking themselves a tough question: did they just buy a problem they can’t afford to solve?
