Will Topley Shine as Gleeson Steps Out and Chahal Returns for PBKS in IPL 2025?

Ahmedabad, June 1 (NationPress) The Punjab Kings have welcomed back leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal as captain Shreyas Iyer opted to bowl first against the Mumbai Indians during the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. The victor of this clash will advance to face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final on Tuesday.

Chahal's return follows a right wrist injury that sidelined him since May 18, when he last appeared against the Rajasthan Royals. He steps in for left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar after a disappointing eight-wicket defeat to RCB in Qualifier 1 in New Chandigarh.

With PBKS starting their bowling, they have included pacer Vyshak Vijaykumar in the playing eleven, replacing Prabhsimran Singh, who will now act as the impact player during the chase. Iyer explained that the decision to bowl first was influenced by the overcast and breezy conditions.

“The wicket was also under covers yesterday. It's a new day; we've recuperated well, and our goal is to win. The boys are in good spirits, and the dressing room atmosphere is excellent right now,” he remarked.

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya also expressed a preference to bowl, announcing that left-arm pacer Reece Topley replaces Richard Gleeson, who sustained a minor injury during their 20-run victory against the Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator.

“It seems like a good pitch. We need to bat effectively, assess conditions early, and we should be fine. The pitch has flattened out, and the ball isn't moving as much. Fast bowlers may still find some assistance,” he noted.

“However, if we bat well, there are plenty of runs to be scored. We could have improved on several aspects in our last match. It’s challenging to play such a tight game with just one day's break, but we are in a good rhythm and know what to execute,” he continued.

“We arrived early this morning after the game, focusing on recovery to ensure we are fresh for today. Intensity will be vital, and we are eager for the match,” he added.

Playing XIs

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

Impact Substitutes: Ashwani Kumar, Krishnan Shrijith, Raghu Sharma, Robin Minz, and Bevon Jacobs

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

Impact Substitutes: Prabhsimran Singh, Praveen Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Xavier Bartlett, and Harpreet Brar