Punjab Kings' victory over Chennai Super Kings on April 8 may have been sweet, but it’s captain Shreyas Iyer’s brave tactical move that’s winning hearts across the cricket world. In a high-pressure match, Iyer chose not to let Yuzvendra Chahal bowl his full quota, and that decision has now earned him admiration for his sharp match sense.

Why Didn't Chahal Bowl More Than One Over?

Fans were stunned when Chahal, the highest wicket-taker in IPL history and Punjab’s ₹18 crore buy, bowled just one over in the match — the 17th — conceding only 9 runs.

When asked post-match about this surprising move, Iyer revealed it was a strategic decision. With Shivam Dube and Devon Conway at the crease — both set and capable of attacking spin — Iyer said he felt it was wiser to stick with pacers.

“Chahal is a smart bowler, no doubt,” Iyer explained. “But something within told me to trust the pacers, especially their slower deliveries, which were working for us at the time.”

Cricket Fraternity Applauds Iyer’s Call

Among those praising Iyer’s call was Hanuma Vihari, who hailed it as a masterstroke in leadership.

“It’s not about how good your resources are, but how and when to use them,” Vihari tweeted. “Iyer did just that, ignoring the price tag and reputation, and putting team strategy first.”

A Pricey Passenger? Not Quite.

While critics may point to Chahal’s price tag — a massive ₹18 crore — Iyer’s refusal to be swayed by reputation or auction hype shows maturity and clarity in his captaincy. And in the end, results justified the call — Punjab Kings beat CSK by 18 runs, securing their third win in four matches.