IPL 2025: Why Yuzvendra Chahal is not included in PBKS XI against RCB in Qualifier 1

Yuzvendra Chahal has picked 14 wickets for PBKS in the IPL 2025.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The encounter is being played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh.

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar returned to his captaincy role in Qualifier 1. He won the toss and opted to bowl first in the match. Patidar also revealed that fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has returned to the playing XI. PBKS skipper Iyer revealed his playing XI with one change, Azmatullah Omarzai replacing Marco Jansen.

However, PBKS did not witness the return of their star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in the crucial game against RCB. Notably, the right-arm spinner last played in the clash against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 18. He missed PBKS’ last two games during the league stage against Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI).

Yuzvendra Chahal is recovering from a wrist injury

Notably, Chahal suffered a wrist injury towards the end of the league stage, and the Kings don’t want to take any risk by playing him. Chahal was highly expected to return in the playoffs. However, he is still absent from the PBKS playing XI in the Qualifier 1 clash.

According to earlier reports by ESPN Cricinfo, Chahal is recovering from a wrist injury. Since Chahal is also not a part of Qualifier-1, it is clear that he is yet to recover from his injury.

The senior spinner has shown a wonderful form for the side. He has picked 14 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 9.56. Chahal also captured a fabulous hat-trick in IPL 2025 and captured four-wicket hauls on two occasions.

Meanwhile, Iyer mentioned during the toss that he wanted to bowl first, but does not mind batting first as well.

“Would have bowled first as well. If you look at the record here, teams batting first have done well, so I am optimistic. They (the crowd) have been tremendous, and you need such a kind of vibration when you enter the ground, and it gives us a lot of energy as well. The way they (openers) have been showing the fearless approach and the attitude has been brilliant. Marco goes out and Azmatullah comes in for him”, he said during the toss.

During the league stage, PBKS topped the table while RCB placed second. The winner of Qualifier 1 will be the first finalist of IPL 2025.

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