PBKS vs MI IPL 2025: Yuzvendra Chahal's Availability Raises Doubts! Will Star Spinner Play In Today's Match?

PBKS vs MI: As Punjab Kings (PBKS) gear up for one of their most crucial matches of the IPL 2025 season against Mumbai Indians (MI), all eyes are on the availability of their premier leg-spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal.

With a top-two finish on the line, PBKS are facing a race against time to get one of their most experienced campaigners match-ready.

Chahal was conspicuously absent from Punjab's previous outing against Delhi Capitals, a game they lost by six wickets. The omission sparked concerns among fans and analysts alike, especially with the playoffs just around the corner. Now, assistant coach Sunil Joshi has confirmed that the veteran spinner is nursing a minor injury.

"Chahal has a small niggle, so we are just resting him. That's the idea," Joshi told the media, suggesting that the management is being cautious with the 33-year-old's fitness. However, ESPN Cricinfo has reported that the niggle in question may be related to a wrist issue, which raises further doubts about his readiness for tonight's high-stakes clash.

Punjab Kings, currently placed third with 17 points from 13 matches, could secure a top-two finish with a win over Mumbai. Such a result would take them to 19 points-enough to top the table, at least temporarily. The added incentive? A place in Qualifier 1, which offers two shots at making the final on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Should Chahal miss the match, it would be a significant blow to Punjab's bowling arsenal. The leggie has been instrumental in their campaign so far, providing crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs and maintaining tight control during key phases of the game.

Given the stakes and the short turnaround before the playoffs, the team management faces a tough call: risk aggravating the injury by playing Chahal tonight, or rest him and hope to have him fit for the knockouts.

As of now, Chahal remains a game-time decision. PBKS fans will be hoping that their star spinner recovers in time to make a match-winning impact in what could be a season-defining encounter.