PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025: Why is Yuzvendra Chahal not Playing for Punjab Kings Today?

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Yuzvendra Chahal's absence from the Punjab Kings (PBKS) lineup in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has stirred curiosity among fans as the India leg-spinner has missed out the crucial match.

Despite being one of PBKS's biggest signings in the 2025 auction, with a staggering price tag of ₹18 crore, Chahal was left out of the playing XI for this high-stakes encounter.

Why is Yuzvendra Chahal Not Playing for PBKS today?

Yuzvendra Chahal has been a force for Punjab Kings in the second half of the season. The Indian leg-spinner has so far picked up 14 wickets in 12 matches and has been prolific for PBKS as they qualified for the playoffs after 11 years.

But Chahal suffered a minor niggle and missed out the last two league games for the Kings. Although head coach Ricky Ponting was optimistic on his fitness, the veteran has been left out of the squad, which is likely because he is not fit enough to play the match against RCB.

Chahal's absence will be a huge miss for Punjab as they are without their premier spinner in such a crucial encounter. Also, the PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer confirmed that South African all-rounder Marco Jansen is not playing as Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai has been included in the team.

PBKS Playing XI vs RCB: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kyle Jamieson