Ahmedabad: Former India captain Anil Kumble has sharply criticised Shubman Gill’s captaincy following Gujarat Titans’ narrow defeat to Punjab Kings in the IPL 2026 clash on Tuesday, calling one key bowling decision “very surprising”.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) pulled off a tense three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans (GT), chasing down a target of 163 runs, thanks largely to a sensational debut knock from Cooper Connolly. However, much of the post-match discussion revolved around Gill’s delayed use of pace spearhead Prasidh Krishna.
Kumble questions delayed introduction of Prasidh Krishna
Kumble expressed concern over the timing of Prasidh Krishna’s introduction into the attack, noting that the pacer, who was the Purple Cap holder last season, only came on to bowl in the 13th over.
According to Kumble, such a move significantly reduced the bowler’s impact during a crucial phase of the game.
“It was very surprising that Gujarat Titans brought in Prasidh Krishna only in the 13th over,” Kumble said during post-match analysis. “You rarely see a bowler complete all four overs in the final eight overs of an innings. That’s not ideal utilisation.”
Prasidh did manage to make an immediate impact, picking up key wickets and returning figures of 3/29. His spell briefly shifted momentum in GT’s favour, including the dismissal of Shashank Singh with a well-directed short delivery.
However, Kumble argued that the pacer should have been used earlier, particularly during the middle overs when the pitch conditions suited his bowling style.
Missed opportunity in middle overs
Kumble emphasised that Prasidh Krishna would have been far more effective if introduced between the 6th and 10th overs, a phase where bowlers often exploit conditions and apply pressure.
“You can’t hold him back like that,” Kumble said. “For GT’s sake, he should have bowled at least one over in the middle phase. That surface was ideal for his kind of bowling.”
The former leg-spinner also pointed out that Prasidh conceded 14 runs in his final over, suggesting that he is not best suited for death-over responsibilities.
This tactical miscalculation, according to Kumble, may have ultimately cost Gujarat Titans the match.
Connolly shines on debut for Punjab Kings
While GT’s strategy came under scrutiny, Punjab Kings had plenty to celebrate, especially the remarkable performance of debutant Cooper Connolly.
The 22-year-old Australian all-rounder played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 72 runs off 44 balls, which included five boundaries and five sixes. His composure under pressure guided PBKS to a successful chase in a closely contested encounter.
Connolly’s innings stood out not just for its impact but also for the maturity he displayed in pacing the chase.
Inspiration from Shaun Marsh
After the match, Connolly revealed that he draws inspiration from former Australia and Punjab Kings player Shaun Marsh, whom he considers a mentor.
“It was a nice moment when I got picked. Shaun Marsh was the first person I spoke to, and he gave me some good advice,” Connolly said.
Having played alongside Marsh in Western Australia, Connolly credited the veteran batter for guiding him during his formative years.
“I’ve always looked up to him as an idol and mentor. He has been very supportive,” he added.
Close finish highlights tactical importance
The match ultimately highlighted how fine margins and tactical decisions can influence outcomes in high-pressure tournaments like the IPL.
Despite a strong fightback led by Prasidh Krishna, Gujarat Titans fell short due to lapses in execution and strategy. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, capitalised on key moments, with Connolly’s brilliance proving decisive.
Conclusion
Gujarat Titans’ narrow defeat will likely prompt introspection, particularly regarding bowling strategies and resource utilisation under captain Shubman Gill. With experienced voices like Anil Kumble pointing out tactical gaps, the team may look to reassess its approach in upcoming matches.
For Punjab Kings, the emergence of Cooper Connolly offers a significant boost as they begin their IPL 2026 campaign on a winning note.