IPL 2025: Yuzvendra Chahal Likely To Miss Crucial Match Against Mumbai

Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) has reached its last leg. Tonight, Punjab Kings will lock horns with Mumbai Indians at Jaipur's Sawai Maan Singh Stadium. Though, both teams have already qualified for the IPL Playoffs 2025, but today's last league stage match is said to be a crucial one as it will decide top two rankings.

Top two teams in the league stage will get an extra chance in IPL playoffs to qualify for the finals.

But before the crucial PBKS vs MI clash, Punjab Kings are facing a significant challenge as key spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is likely to miss the game due to a wrist injury.

This development follows his absence in the team's recent match against the Delhi Capitals in Jaipur, where it was reported he had a "small niggle." Sunil Joshi, the Punjab Kings' spin-bowling coach, had previously indicated Chahal was dealing with this niggle, which has now been clarified as a wrist injury.

In light of their qualification for the playoffs, the Punjab Kings are opting not to risk Chahal's further involvement at this stage, prioritizing his recovery for the forthcoming crucial matches. This decision comes despite the team's confidence in Chahal's readiness for the playoffs, as noted in a report by ESPNCricinfo. To adjust to Chahal's absence, Praveen Dubey, a leggie from Karnataka, was brought in to play his fifth IPL match, making his debut for the Punjab Kings against the Delhi Capitals, Chahal's former team.

Moreover, the Punjab Kings' bowling arsenal is set to weaken further with the departure of Marco Jansen, their South African pace-bowling all-rounder. Head coach Ricky Ponting expressed his sentiments in a now-deleted video, stating, "One of our boys is leaving us tomorrow. Marco Jansen is off to the World Test Championship. Been a big part of our success up until here. You'll be sadly missed. We've loved having you here mate." This exit adds to the team's challenges as they aim to secure a top-two finish, a feat made more achievable due to recent losses by the Gujarat Titans.