PBKS vs MI: Here’s why Richard Gleeson is not playing in today’s IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 game

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In a high-stakes encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Mumbai Indians (MI) face off against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025. With a place in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on the line, both teams have made significant changes to their playing XIs. The match, scheduled for June 1, 2025, has already seen drama with a rain delay and strategic team shuffles, setting the stage for a gripping playoff battle.

As the PBKS squad made their entrance amid fiery pyrotechnics, an unexpected drizzle descended, threatening to disrupt proceedings and adding another layer of tension to an already critical match. With playoff rules allowing a two-hour window before overs are reduced—and the possibility of PBKS advancing in case of a washout due to their superior league finish, the toss gained even greater importance.

PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer, citing overcast skies and a pitch kept under covers, opted to field first, hoping to exploit early movement for his seamers. The Kings, still buoyed by the return of Yuzvendra Chahal from injury, looked to bounce back from their Qualifier 1 setback, while MI’s captain Hardik Pandya admitted he would have preferred to bowl as well, referencing the flatness of Ahmedabad pitches in recent seasons and the trend of high first-innings scores.

Also READ: Explained: Who will reach IPL 2025 final if Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians Qualifier 2 gets washed out?

The biggest news from the Mumbai Indians’ camp was the inclusion of England’s left-arm quick Reece Topley, who replaced the injured Richard Gleeson. Gleeson, who sustained a hamstring niggle during the Eliminator against Gujarat Titans, was ruled out after being unable to finish his spell in that match. Pandya confirmed at the toss that Topley would make his MI debut in this crucial knockout game.

“We had to make one change. Reece comes in place of Gleeson who has a niggle. Reece Topley comes in,” Hardik said.

Topley, acquired by MI for INR 75 lakh in the 2025 auction, brings both international pedigree and IPL experience, having previously played for RCB. Though this is his first appearance for Mumbai, Topley has five IPL matches and five wickets to his name, and his left-arm angle could be vital in exploiting any early swing under the Ahmedabad lights. With Trent Boult also in the XI, MI’s new-ball attack suddenly looks potent, especially in conditions expected to assist seamers.

Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya (c), Raj Bawa, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Reece Topley

Impact sub: Ashwani Kumar, KL Shrijith, Raghu Sharma, Robin Minz, Bevon Jacobs

Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Kyle Jamieson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh

Impact sub: Prabhsimran Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge, Pravin Dubey

Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma leaves young MI fan speechless with savage response ahead of Qualifier 2 clash against PBKS