Reports: Yuzvendra Chahal to return for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians

Published - 01 Jun 2025, 13:11 IST | Updated - 01 Jun 2025, 13:22 IST

As the Punjab Kings are set to go against the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League) Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, all eyes will be on Yuzvendra Chahal's availability. The veteran leg-spinner, who has been an important member of PBKS’ bowling lineup this season, is likely to return after missing three consecutive matches due to a wrist injury.

Chahal, acquired by PBKS for a whopping INR 18 crore in the 2025 mega auction, has had a quiet season so far, with 14 wickets to his name in 12 innings. His best performance came in a low-scoring thriller where Punjab defended just 111 runs against KKR, with him finishing with figures of 4/28. Notably, his other four-wicket haul came against the Chennai Super Kings.

With Punjab just one step away from reaching their first-ever IPL final, Chahal’s availability could be the X-factor they need. The 34-year-old has been out of action since May 18 due to a right wrist injury that raised questions about his availability during the knockout stages. Initially mentioned as a minor niggle, his injury turned out to be more significant, sidelining him for three fixtures, including the Qualifier 1 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

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During Punjab Kings' rain-interrupted training sessions in Ahmedabad, Yuzvendra Chahal was seen actively playing football, taking high catches, throwing, and even bowling a few overs in an empty net while wearing protective gear on his wrist. According to sources, he is willing to take pain injections, if necessary, to feature in this do-or-die game.

MI’s middle-order batters like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya have historically struggled against spinners who can mix up their pace and lengths. If Chahal returns, the Men in Blue and Gold will need to have a plan in tackling him as PBKS skipper will go towards his ace spinner in crucial overs.