The Qualifier 1 match of IPL 2025 was played between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Mullanpur in Chandigarh, but the absence of Punjab Kings star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in this high-voltage match surprised the fans.
Chahal, who was bought in the auction for Rs 18 crore, was expected to do wonders in this playoff, but he was not a part of the playing XI.
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What happened to Chahal?
Chahal was making a splash for Punjab Kings this season. By taking 14 wickets in 12 matches, he showed why he is India’s top leg spinner. But he did not play in the last two league matches of the season.
The reason for which was said to be a minor injury, Chahal had suffered a minor injury, and head coach Ricky Ponting hoped that he would be fit by the qualifiers.
But it seems that Chahal is not fully fit yet, and the team did not take any risk.
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What will be the strategy of PBKS without Chahal?
Chahal’s absence is a big blow for Punjab, as his spin magic could have been useful against RCB’s strong batsmen like Virat Kohli and Philip Salt.
Punjab gave a chance to Azmatullah Umarzai, who is an Afghanistan all-rounder, in this match and dropped Marco Jensen.
Captain Shreyas Iyer said at the time of the toss, “We also wanted to bowl first, but now we will show strength in batting.”
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RCB also made this change
On the other hand, RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and chose to bowl first. He included Josh Hazlewood in place of Nuwan Tushara.
Patidar said, “There is grass on the wicket, and we want to take advantage in the initial overs.”
RCB’s batting lineup has stalwarts like Kohli, Salt and Liam Livingstone, who can pose a challenge for Punjab.
Punjab Kings now have to face RCB without Chahal. If they win, then their place in the final is confirmed, but if they lose, then they will have another chance.
