‘Pressure is visible on his face’- Wasim Jaffer on Yuzvendra Chahal’s IPL 2025 effort

Yuzvendra Chahal needs to change his perspective in order to return to his former form as a wicket-taker, according to former India opener Wasim Jaffer. After Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match 27 of the 2025 IPL at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, he made these remarks.

The hosts completed the goal in 18.3 overs when SRH openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma unleashed a spectacular attack on the PBKS bowling unit while chasing a formidable target of 246. The majority of PBKS’ bowlers looked weak and were unable to exert any control over the game, taking just two wickets.

In the November auction last year, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who was bought by PBKS for an incredible INR 18 crore, took out Travis Head.

The discovery, nevertheless, was made too late. Having just taken two wickets in five games this season, the player with the most IPL wickets has been disappointing. In his four overs, he ultimately gave up 56 runs against SRH as well. The 34-year-old looked more defensive than aggressive, Jaffer said, and there was obvious pressure on his face during his period.

“I believe that Chahal should bowl more frequently based on the few deliveries he made and when he took Travis Head’s wicket. I believe we are lacking something when we see Yuzi: the desire to spin the ball, bowl googlies, and add some revolutions to the ball. Jaffer explained, “He is off-color and has a very defensive mindset. You can see the pressure on his face.”

Additional googlies must be bowled: Piyush Chawla

Regarding Chahal’s decline in form this season, former Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla also offered his thoughts, emphasising that the Haryana leggie’s decreased use of his googly has had a major impact on his ability to take wickets. He went on to say that he seemed reluctant to bowl the googly because of his poor form and lack of confidence.

“He hasn’t bowled googlies either. For them, it is going away if you are bowling wide outside off-stump. He did not bowl those, perhaps due to his lack of form this season, but you finally get an opportunity to pick a wicket or anything like that,” Piyush Chawla stated.

With a record-breaking 141 off just 55 balls, Abhishek Sharma was the match’s highlight. The Australian scored a fast-paced 66 to play a strong supporting role. The chase was made possible by the two of them stitching together a 171-run opening combination.