Prasidh Krishna’s spell proved to be the defining moment in Gujarat Titans’ clash against Punjab Kings in IPL 2026, as the pacer turned a comfortable chase into a tense contest in Mullanpur. Introduced in the 13th over, Prasidh used the rain-affected surface to generate skid and bounce, unsettling the PBKS batters. His burst triggered a collapse at a crucial stage, shifting momentum and briefly putting the Gujarat Titans back in control of a game that appeared to be slipping away.
Punjab Kings were cruising at 110 for 2 when Prasidh came onto the attack, with the chase of 163 well under control. The conditions had changed slightly due to light showers, and the surface had begun to slow. Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill turned to Prasidh, banking on his ability to hit the deck hard and rush the batters. The move paid off instantly as the rhythm of the chase was disrupted.
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SKIDDY SPELL TURNS GAME
Prasidh’s impact was immediate. Shreyas Iyer, looking to steady the innings after a brief injury scare, picked a ball to score but failed to keep it down, handing a simple catch in the deep. The dismissal opened the door, and Prasidh quickly charged through it.
He followed it up by extracting extra bounce to dismiss Shashank Singh, forcing a tentative edge to the keeper. Marcus Stoinis then fell attempting to counterattack, only to pick out a fielder in the deep. Within a short span, Punjab’s position shifted from control to uncertainty.
From 110 for 2, PBKS slipped into a collapse that gave Gujarat Titans a way back into the contest. The earlier fluency disappeared as the batters were forced to rethink their approach on a surface that was no longer straightforward.
PRESSURE BUILDS LATE
What stood out in Prasidh’s spell was his control. He mixed his lengths effectively, used slower balls into the surface, and forced batters to generate power rather than rely on timing. On a pitch affected by moisture, that approach proved crucial.
Even in the later overs, the pressure he created lingered. Cooper Connolly, who eventually anchored the chase, had to carefully manage the situation rather than dominate it. Every boundary came with risk, and every run felt significant.
Gill later explained that the decision to hold Prasidh back was deliberate, given the slowing conditions. The execution matched the plan, as Prasidh’s spell ensured Gujarat remained in the game deep into the chase.
Punjab Kings eventually crossed the line, but the nature of the contest had changed. What looked like a routine chase turned into a nervy finish, shaped largely by one decisive spell.
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