Expanding on his stance, Yuvraj added, “Kapil was a great player and captain for India. I don’t know what the issue was between him and my father. I have played with MS Dhoni and have always expressed my relationship with him. But what my dad has said about him — I told him, ‘it’s not okay’. It reflects on me as I have played with him.”ALSO READ: Yuvraj Singh reveals what ‘stood out’ in Gautam Gambhir’s coaching styleHe further stressed his disapproval, saying, “I told him I would appreciate it if he didn’t say these things, whatever the reasons. I sincerely would like to apologise to both of them. And they also know that those words are not mine. As cricketers, I have huge respect for them for whatever they have done for the country.”Yuvraj, one of the main architects of India’s triumphs in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, played a pivotal role during an era dominated by stars like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Dhoni. Reflecting on his current relationship with Yograj, Yuvraj said the dynamic between them has evolved over time. “We now try to interact more as father and son, rather than the earlier dynamic of coach and ward. It’s an interesting phase in my life,” he said.“We discuss a lot about past and present cricketers and often argue — but it’s all in good humour,” he added, signalling a more balanced and personal equation with his father even amid public disagreements.Yograj’s explosive claims on Kapil and DhoniYograj Singh, a former India cricketer and coach, has frequently courted controversy with his remarks about former players. In one of his most startling claims, he alleged that he once went to Kapil Dev’s house with a pistol after being dropped from the team in the 1980s.“When Kapil Dev became captain… he dropped me for no reason,” Yograj said, recalling the incident. He claimed he confronted Kapil and even threatened him, saying he refrained only because Kapil’s mother was present.Yograj has also been sharply critical of Dhoni, at one point accusing him of “ruining” Yuvraj’s career by not backing him for a longer period in international cricket. “I won’t forgive MS Dhoni… what he did to my son is unforgivable,” he had said, while also alleging that Yuvraj could have played for several more years.His criticism extended further, with sweeping remarks about how players were treated during his time and even raising old match-fixing allegations involving past cricketers, including Kapil.

However, in a surprising shift ahead of IPL 2026, Yograj struck a more conciliatory tone towards Dhoni, praising his longevity and discipline. “I admire him… he should keep playing for another 10 years,” Yograj said, while also dismissing calls for Dhoni’s retirement.Yuvraj’s apology, however, has drawn a clear line, underlining his respect for both Kapil and Dhoni while seeking to move past the controversy triggered by his father’s statements.

Mhatre was the standout performer, scoring a fluent 73 off 43 balls with a mix of boundaries and sixes.In the later stages, Sarfaraz Khan played a quick cameo, smashing 32 off just 12 balls, while Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 45, finishing the innings strongly. Their efforts pushed CSK to a competitive total of 209/5 in 20 overs, which looked challenging on the surface.In reply, PBKS came out attacking and maintained a steady run rate throughout the chase. Young opener Priyansh Arya provided a quick start, while others chipped in to keep the scoreboard moving. Captain Shreyas Iyer played a key role, scoring a composed 50 off 29 balls and guiding the innings.Even when wickets fell at intervals, PBKS didn’t panic and continued to play positive cricket. Contributions from the middle order ensured the chase stayed on track, and they eventually reached 210/5 in 18.4 overs.While CSK impressed with the bat, their bowlers struggled to contain runs. PBKS, on the other hand, executed their chase smartly and deservedly came out on top.

A key partnership between Mhatre and Ruturaj Gaikwad helped build the innings, though PBKS pulled things back with timely wickets.In reply, Punjab got off to a flying start with Priyansh Arya smashing 39 off just 11 balls. Prabhsimran Singh and Cooper Connolly chipped in with useful contributions, keeping the chase on track. When pressure built, skipper Shreyas Iyer stepped up, scoring a composed half-century and controlling the game with smart shot selection. Later, Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis finished the job comfortably.

‘Playing to impress each other’

After the match, Iyer revealed the team’s mindset, adding, “Well, it’s not planned, honestly speaking, but we’ve just decided in the dressing room that whatever happens, we are going to play a brand of cricket which is to impress each other, not others outside.”He praised the strong start, saying, “Priyansh and Prab doing the job at the start… it’s phenomenal to see them giving us that start and it stabilizes the rhythm for us.”On Arya’s explosive innings, he added, “Absolutely. I mean, getting 39 out of 11 balls, that’s the start we require, especially when you’re chasing 208.”Explaining his bowling choices, Iyer said, “And usually we know how impressive he is over the years. And he’s probably one of the best bowlers in the IPL so far. So whenever I’m in doubt, I do that.”Punjab’s clear mindset and teamwork have now put them at the top of the table.

“I don’t know what’s going on in their minds. They (Rohit and Kohli) look committed to playing the World Cup, but I think that decision lies with them and the selectors, who will have to decide the future. My point is that they are such great players, there has to be clarity,” Yuvraj said.“You should be able to sit in a room and discuss things openly. It’s difficult, especially at that stage of your career. You may not like hearing that the team is looking ahead, but a year later you will appreciate that at least someone told you the truth to your face. That doesn’t really happen in Indian cricket,” he added while talking to Sports Tak.Both players have continued to perform in ODIs. Kohli returned to the top of the ICC rankings at the start of 2026 and had a strong series against South Africa, scoring 302 runs in three matches at an average of 151 and a strike rate of over 117.Rohit, meanwhile, scored 202 runs in three matches in Australia at an average of 101, including a century in Sydney that helped him reclaim the No.1 ODI ranking spot at 38. However, he struggled in the following home series against New Zealand, where he managed 61 runs at an average of 20.33.Yuvraj said the focus should be on having a clear plan for the 2027 World Cup rather than just debating individual players. He added that the management should take a clear call and communicate it to both senior players and younger ones.“I don’t want any player who has represented the country for so many years to be stuck in a situation where no one sits down and tells them clearly what the plan is. Either commit to them for the World Cup and back them fully, or tell them that the team is looking at younger players. Someone has to say it. Tell them the reality. I think that should happen after this IPL,” Yuvraj said.He also pointed to the need to prepare younger players in time, mentioning Yashasvi Jaiswal as an example.

“The players who are at the end of their careers, giving clarity is very important. The captain, coach, and selectors should sit with the guys and explain how they are looking at things. The conversation might not go well, but at least you tried on your end. Look at Yashasvi Jaiswal; he scored a century in his last ODI, but he is sitting out. When will you groom Jaiswal? You have the World Cup next year,” Yuvraj told Sports Tak.“If you are going to the World Cup, you should have played several games. I am not saying you should drop someone. But if you’re playing the 2027 ODI World Cup, you need to start preparing your squad now. You need to give them games. Take a decision, it shouldn’t happen at the last minute that one of your senior players gets injured and there’s no young player,” he added.Also See: CSK vs PBKS Live Score

Toss presenter Ian Bishop had to step closer to Gaikwad and eventually apologised for the delay. “I don’t know. I don’t know how long. Let me come closer. I apologise to the cameras,” he said. He added, “I’m sorry this is dragging on because of the noise and the cheering. I am sorry for not being able to hear you and for dragging this on.” The moment highlighted just how passionate CSK fans are at their home ground.Watch:Meanwhile, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bowl first, citing a fresh pitch and confidence from their previous win.Gaikwad explained his team’s approach, especially the decision to open the batting himself. “That has been the key for CSK as a franchise… I felt nothing better than having Sanju and me open the batting. So that was just the thought process behind it,” he said.He also spoke about the pitch conditions: “It looks a bit on the drier side. And I don’t think it will change too much… The dew will be a key factor in the second inning. So I think runs on the board and definitely you can defend on this track.”Coming off a heavy loss in their first match, CSK are aiming to bounce back, while PBKS look to continue their winning momentum.CSK vs PBKS playing XIs:Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.Punjab Kings Impact subs: Suryansh Shedge, Priyansh Arya, Vishnu Vinod, Pravin Dubey, Hemant BrarChennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Noor Ahmed, Matt Henry, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed.Chennai Super Kings Impact subs: Jamie Overton, Rahul Chahar, Matthew Short, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Gurjapneet Singh.