Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns over Shubman Gill’s captaincy after Gujarat Titans suffered a three-wicket defeat against Punjab Kings in their opening match of the Indian Premier League 2026.
Playing at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium, Punjab Kings successfully chased down a target of 163 in 19.1 overs, thanks to a match-winning unbeaten 72 off 44 balls by Australia’s rising star Cooper Connolly.
Chopra Criticises Bowling Decisions
Aakash Chopra did not hold back in his assessment, calling Gujarat Titans’ bowling plans “puzzling.” He pointed out that premier pacer Mohammed Siraj still had two overs remaining when the match was nearly over — a decision he believes reflects poor game management.
“The bowling plans were puzzling. Siraj still had two overs left when the game was almost done, and Prasidh Krishna was brought in quite late. Overall, Shubman Gill’s captaincy also left a bit to be desired,” Chopra said.
He also felt that Prasidh Krishna, who ended up taking three key wickets, should have been introduced earlier to apply pressure.
Concerns Over Middle Order Performance
Beyond captaincy, Chopra highlighted structural issues in Gujarat Titans’ batting lineup, particularly their overdependence on the top order.
He noted that players like Glenn Phillips and Washington Sundar need to step up and deliver more consistently in the middle overs.
“Not many would believe it, but Glenn Phillips’ 25 is actually his highest IPL score so far. You would want him to contribute more regularly, and Washington Sundar also needs to score quicker,” he said.
Chopra further suggested that team combinations need rethinking, mentioning that Kumar Kushagra could have been considered, while questioning the current roles of players like Shahrukh Khan.
Connolly Stars In PBKS Win
Despite a brief batting collapse where Punjab Kings lost four wickets in quick succession, Cooper Connolly held his nerve to guide the team home, sealing a strong start to their campaign.
Chopra praised the Punjab side’s overall performance, especially their smart bowling rotations and effective captaincy.
Advice For Punjab Kings
The former opener advised Punjab Kings not to dwell too much on their mid-innings wobble, emphasising that wins matter more than perfect performances in a long tournament.
“In a tournament like the IPL, you don’t overthink the two points you’ve earned. It’s far better to learn after a win than after a loss,” he said.
He also highlighted that this marks Punjab’s sixth consecutive season-opening win — a sign of their strong starts in the league.
Big Picture For Gujarat Titans
For Gujarat Titans, the defeat raises early questions about strategy, team balance, and leadership decisions. While the season is still young, addressing these concerns quickly could be key to staying competitive in a high-stakes tournament like the IPL.