Punjab Kings batter Suryansh Shedge revealed why Yuzvendra Chahal bowled a solitary over against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday. Shedge said the idea was to back the fast bowlers as the seven-and-a-half metre length was difficult to play.

PBKS were restricted to 163-9 after they were put into bat as eight of the nine wickets were taken by GT fast bowlers. Meanwhile, Chahal conceded 13 runs in the solitary over he bowled and he was not backed by PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer to bowl another over.

“I think it all depended on the situation. We went into the game thinking we have to bowl more fast bowlers because that seven-and-a-half metre length was difficult to play. I think it was a bit two-paced because of the grass and the black soil. So I think that was the intention,” Shedge said in the post-match press conference.

“Sometimes it was sticking, sometimes it was skidding through. So I think our bowling coach, just before the powerplay got over, he sent out a message to Vyshak saying that you should bowl that length, and you can see how well Vyshak bowled. So yeah, I think the planning was right,” he added.

Meanwhile, PBKS were left tottering at 47-5 but Shedge played a crucial knock of 57 runs off just 29 balls to help his team post a fighting score. Shedge said his focus was to spend time at the crease.

“I wouldn’t say others were struggling. Sometimes good balls get you out. My only intention was to spend as much time as I could, and that made things easier as I progressed through the innings,” the right-hander said.

The 23-year-old admitted he played a wrong shot at the wrong time against GT.

“I think I should have stayed there because I was set. And if I would have let that ball go, things would have been different. I think I’ve learnt to remain calmer and stay in the present. So next time I’ll be more mindful,” he added.

PBKS will next take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on Wednesday.