Shastri, who is currently part of the commentary panel, highlighted the contrast between Khaleel's decision to leave the field after feeling discomfort and RCB's handling of a similar situation in their recent match against Mumbai Indians (MI).

During the CSK vs KKR match, Khaleel Ahmed appeared to struggle with discomfort in his leg, even halting mid run-up on a couple of occasions. Instead of calling for prolonged on-field treatment, the left-arm pacer chose to walk off the field for medical attention.

He was replaced mid-over by Gurjapneet Singh, ensuring that the match continued without unnecessary delays.

Shastri lauded the move while on air, pointing out that it helped maintain the pace of the game.

'Rather than calling the physio and wasting ten minutes only to do the same thing, he has decided to walk off,' Shastri remarked during commentary.

While appreciating CSK's handling of the situation, Shastri took the opportunity to criticise RCB's approach in their earlier match against Mumbai Indians, which reportedly stretched to over four-and-a-half hours due to repeated stoppages.

In that game, RCB pacer Rasikh Dar received on-field treatment multiple times within a single over, leading to significant delays.

The incident had already drawn criticism from several quarters, including former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who expressed frustration during live commentary.

'Just go off the field, get treatment, and then come back… This is the third time the physio has come in,' Gavaskar had said, visibly annoyed by the repeated interruptions.

Shastri's remarks have reignited the debate around maintaining the spirit and tempo of T20 cricket, where time efficiency plays a crucial role in viewer engagement and match flow.

By contrasting Khaleel's swift decision with RCB's earlier approach, Shastri emphasised the importance of prioritising the game over individual convenience.

The CSK pacer's action was widely seen as a professional and team-oriented decision, ensuring that the momentum of the match remained intact.

Time-wasting and frequent stoppages have increasingly come under scrutiny in T20 leagues, especially in high-profile tournaments like the IPL. Extended matches not only affect scheduling but also impact the viewing experience for fans.

RCB's handling of the injury situation in their match against MI has become a talking point, with experts calling for stricter guidelines to prevent unnecessary delays.

Chennai Super Kings, known for their disciplined approach, once again demonstrated effective game management. The seamless substitution of Khaleel Ahmed with Gurjapneet Singh ensured that the match proceeded smoothly without prolonged interruptions.

Such decisions reflect a broader team philosophy focused on efficiency, adaptability, and respect for the format.

Ravi Shastri's comments underline the growing importance of maintaining match tempo in modern T20 cricket. While injuries are an unavoidable part of the game, how teams respond to them can significantly impact the flow and integrity of a match.

Khaleel Ahmed's decision to leave the field promptly has been widely appreciated as the ideal approach, while RCB's earlier actions continue to draw criticism. As IPL 2026 progresses, teams may need to adopt more disciplined strategies to avoid similar controversies.