IPL 2026: "Rashid was right on the money from the first ball" says Piyush Chawla

The Gujarat Titans narrowly edged past the Delhi Capitals by 1-run in an IPL classic in Delhi. Rashid Khan was the star bowler for GT as he took three crucial wickets in his quota of four overs.

Speaking on Star Sports `Amul Cricket Live`, the former India spinner Piyush Chawla reflected on Rashid Khan`s decisive spell that guided GT to their first win of the season.

“We all know what Rashid Khan is capable of on his day; he can trouble any batting line-up. Gujarat Titans needed him to step up, especially while defending this total on a good batting wicket and a small ground, and he delivered. He was right on the money from the very first ball.” Piyush Chawla said. 

Rashid was named Player of the Match for his bowling figures of 17/3. He took the wickets of Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi and Axar Patel at crucial stages of the match to put the visitors in a commanding position.

“The way he dismissed Sameer Rizvi was particularly impressive. He bowled several leg-spinners earlier, and when Rizvi walked in, a batter with strong numbers against spin this season, he showed him the slip, making him expect a leg-break, but deceived him with the wrong` un. It was a beautiful delivery, right on target, beating the bat through the gap,” Chawla added.

Piyush Chawla happy to see KL Rahul back in form

KL Rahul scored a magnificent 92, and David Miller scored a fighting 42 in DC`s defeat against the GT. Piyush Chawla praised KL Rahul`s impact on the game and admitted that his innings was crucial to get DC close to chasing the total.

“At that stage, those runs were crucial, and KL Rahul ensured the required rate never went completely out of reach for Delhi Capitals. He started steadily, around 26 off his first 20 balls, but then accelerated well. Having played such an innings, he would probably be disappointed with himself because when you bat like that, you want to finish the game for your team. Unfortunately for him, that didn`t happen.” Chawla said, talking about KL Rahul`s innings.

(With ANI Input)