Revealed: Why is Yuzvendra Chahal Not Playing For PBKS in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 Against RCB?

Table-toppers Punjab Kings are facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the first qualifier of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025). The match is being played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh.

PBKS finished the league stage at the top of the points table while RCB were in the second spot. Both teams had 19 points at the end of the league stage, but PBKS were ahead of RCB because of their superior net run-rate.

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The winner of the first qualifier will qualify for the final. On the other hand, the losing team will get another chance and will face the winner of the Eliminator in the second qualifier. The Eliminator will be played between the Gujarat Titans and the Mumbai Indians.

PBKS without Yuzvendra Chahal for the first qualifier:

While PBKS would have definitely preferred to field a full-strength side for the first qualifier, they will be without their lead spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal. The leg-spinner will be missing the third match in a row because of a wrist injury.

He missed PBKS' last two league games against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians but was expected to be fit in time for the playoffs. However, Yuzvendra Chahal was neither included in the PBKS playing eleven nor the Impact Players. In his absence, Harpreet Brar will be leading the spin attack for the Punjab-based outfit.

Missing Yuzvendra Chahal would definitely be a big blow for PBKS, and they will be hoping that he recovers quickly. In 12 games this season, Chahal has picked up 14 wicket,s including a hat-trick against Chennai Super Kings. His best performance came against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders when his 4-wicket haul helped PBKS defend a record total of 111 runs.

Coming to the match, RCB have won the toss and opted to field first. The three-time IPL finalists have made one change to their playing eleven, bringing in Josh Hazlewood for Nuwan Thushara. On the other hand, PBKS have recalled Azmatullah Omarzai in the team in place of Marco Jansen.