Ahmedabad, June 1, 2025 – As the IPL 2025 playoffs heat up, Punjab Kings (PBKS) are gearing up for a blockbuster Qualifier 2 clash against the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. Amidst unpredictable weather and intense preparations, a significant boost for PBKS could come in the form of veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who is on the verge of a much-anticipated return after a wrist injury sidelined him for the last three matches.
The build-up to this high-stakes encounter has been anything but smooth for PBKS. On Saturday, their three-hour training session was interrupted by three spells of drizzle, testing the team’s resolve ahead of the crucial game. However, all eyes were on Chahal, the 34-year-old spin wizard, who has been a key cog in PBKS’s campaign with his guile and experience. Having missed recent action due to a nagging right wrist injury, Chahal was seen protecting his wrist during practice but participated in light drills, including football, catching, and bowling a few balls in the nets. Sources close to the team, as reported by TimesofIndia.com, suggest that the spinner is willing to take painkilling injections if needed to ensure his place in the playing XI on Sunday.
Chahal’s potential return could be a game-changer for captain Shreyas Iyer, especially against an MI side known for their ruthless playoff performances. With a record of 16 wickets in 11 matches this season at an economy of under 8 runs per over, Chahal’s ability to turn games with his variations could be the x-factor PBKS desperately needs to outfox MI’s star-studded batting lineup.
On the other side of the coin, Mumbai Indians are not without their challenges. Their pace spearhead Deepak Chahar, who sat out the Eliminator due to a hamstring strain, underwent a fitness test at the venue after the team arrived in Ahmedabad via a chartered flight early Saturday morning. While Chahar appeared to move well, the MI coaching staff, led by Mahela Jayawardene, remained cautious about his inclusion. If Chahar is deemed unfit, left-arm pacer Reece Topley could be in line for his debut match this season, adding a fresh dimension to MI’s attack alongside stalwarts like Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult.
Weather and Pitch Conditions: Ahmedabad has witnessed light pre-monsoon showers in the days leading up to the match, but the forecast for Sunday offers a sigh of relief with only a 10% chance of rain during the game hours, as per the latest meteorological updates. The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium, briefly uncovered for inspection by MI’s coaching staff, promises a run-fest. Historically, this surface has favored high-scoring encounters, with teams breaching the 200-run mark in 9 out of 14 innings played here this season. Memorable recent games include Gujarat Titans defending 217 against Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings posting 230 against the home side, setting the stage for a potential batting extravaganza in Qualifier 2.
Head-to-Head and Playoff Stakes: Historically, MI hold a slight edge over PBKS in IPL playoffs, having won 3 out of 5 knockout encounters between the two sides. For PBKS, this match is a chance to rewrite their story under Iyer’s leadership, while MI, led by the dynamic Hardik Pandya, aim to stamp their authority and secure a spot in the final. The winner of this clash will face off against the table-toppers in the grand finale, making every decision—be it Chahal’s inclusion or Chahar’s fitness—pivotal.
Predicted Playing XIs:
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar/Reece Topley, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Ashwani Kumar (Impact Sub)
Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vyshak Vijaykumar (Impact Sub)
As the clock ticks down to the first ball on Sunday, anticipation is at an all-time high. Will Chahal’s spin magic return to haunt MI, or will the seasoned champions find a way to dominate once again in the playoffs? One thing is certain—this clash at Narendra Modi Stadium is set to be an epic battle of strategy, skill, and sheer willpower. Stay tuned for live updates and in-depth analysis as IPL 2025 edges closer to its grand finale!