IPL 2025: Why is Richard Gleeson not included in MI playing XI for Qualifier 2 against PBKS?

Richard Gleeson made his debut for MI in the last game against Gujarat Titans.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are crossing swords in Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The knockout clash between the two teams is taking place at the Narendra Modi International Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (1st June).

PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to field on a day, which is overcast. Both the teams made one change to their playing XI’s with Yuzvendra Chahal coming back for PBKS after injury and Reece Topley replacing Richard Gleeson in the MI’s XI. 

Richard Gleeson, who made his debut for MI in their last game against Gujarat Titans (GT), did a decent job with the ball. But, got himself injured in the last over of the match. Due to the injury, he could manage just three balls in that over and was taken off the field as he looked in pain. 

Richard Gleeson has a niggle – Hardik Pandya

MI skipper Hardik Pandya, at the toss, confirmed about the development, saying that they were forced to make a change as Richard Gleeson has a niggle. He also talked about the team’s plan for Qualifier 2 and said: 

“We also would have bowled first. We need to bat well and assess the conditions. It has got flatter. If you bowl well, you’ll get some help. A lot of areas we could have got better. One day break, it’s tough but we know what to execute. We came very early morning after the game, most of the guys focused on recovery. We had to make one change. Topley comes in, Gleeson has a niggle.” 

Richard Gleeson bowled 3.3 overs in the last game against GT, which was the Eliminator, and picked up one crucial wicket. In his place, Reece Topley will be getting an opportunity, and it will be his debut game for the franchise, and he would want to make a massive impact. 

Reece Topley has been one of the finest players in international cricket. The left-arm pacer has made a huge Impact for the England Cricket Team and also has won many games for the team. He was part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL previously

So far, the England pacer has played five games in the IPL and has picked five wickets at an average of over 36 and an economy of under 11.

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