Here is why Yuzvendra Chahal Isn’t Playing Today’s IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 Against RCB

By Kavya Jain 29 May 2025, 14:31 IST

Why Chahal Isn’t Playing Today's IPL Qualifier 1 Against RCB

Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal, has been dropped for their clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Keep reading to find out why Yuzvendra Chahal is absent from today’s Qualifier 1.

Why is Yuzvendra Chahal Not Playing?

Yuzvendra Chahal has been left out of PBKS for the first qualifier against RCB at the New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur. Chahal also missed Punjab’s last two matches against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians due to a small injury.

Although head coach Ricky Ponting was feeling positive about his fitness, the spinner has been left out of the squad. It is likely because he is not fit enough to play the match against RCB.

“Would have bowled first as well. If you look at the record here, teams batting first have done well, so I am optimistic. They (the crowd) have been tremendous, and you need such kind of vibration when you enter the ground, and it gives us a lot of energy as well. The way they (openers) have been showing the fearless approach and the attitude has been brilliant. Marco goes out, and Azmatullah comes in for him,” Shreyas said during the toss.

Chahal’s Absence: A Huge Loss

Chahal, who joined PBKS for a huge sum of Rs 18 crore, claimed 14 wickets in 12 matches before getting ruled out. He bowled with an economy rate of 9.56, with his best performance being 4 for 28.

Chahal’s absence will be a huge miss for Punjab as they are without their premier spinner in such a crucial encounter.