New Delhi: In a big blow for Punjab Kings, star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal missed his second Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 game in a row due to a finger injury. Chahal, the costliest spinner in IPL history, did not feature in PBKS’ playing XI for a crucial match against Mumbai Indians (MI) Jaipur on Monday (today), missing out on a start for a second successive match, raising concerns over his availability for the all-important play-offs.
A BCCI source, however, revealed that Chahal is expected to regain full fitness for the play-offs.
PBKS, who shelled out Rs 18 crore to sign Chahal, the highest wicket-taker in IPL history, missed out on his services for the second game running after the leg-spinner was sidelined in the game against Delhi Capitals on Saturday.
With PBKS already qualified for the play-offs, Chahal will be an important player for the Punjab side in their bid for the maiden title.
“He is nursing a finger injury but should be available for the IPL play-offs,” a BCCI source told PTI.
In Chahal’s absence, left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar is leading the lines for the franchise, which has qualified for the play-offs for the first time since 2014.
Chahal key to PBKS’ title chances
Chahal, despite not being at his best, has bagged 14 wickets in 12 games at an average of 25.28 and an economy rate of 9.56. He has picked up two four-wicket hauls this season.
After playing three games in Jaipur, PBKS will shift bases to their home ground at Mullanpur – the venue for Qualifier 1 and Eliminator.
Under the leadership of skipper Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, PBKS have instantly found a successful formula. The Kings have often been labelled as one of the perennial under-performers of the IPL.
Earlier, PBKS skipper Iyer won the toss and opted to field first at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.
PBKS made two changes, replacing Azmatullah Omarzai and Prabhsimran Singh, who has been named the impact substitute, and including Kyle Jamieson and Vijaykumar Vyshak in the playing XI.
MI picked Ashwani Kumar in their playing XI.
After missing back-to-back games due to a finger injury, Yuzvendra Chahal has left Punjab Kings worries ahead of the all-important play-offs. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
