IPL Playoffs 2025: Why Yuzvendra Chahal is not playing vs RCB in Qualifier 1

Set to face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 of the ongoing Indian Premier League playoffs 2025, Punjab Kings have excluded Yuzvendra Chahal from the playing XI vs RCB in today’s match. The match between PBKS and RCB is set to take place at Mullanpur Stadium.

Both teams finished in the top 2 spots on the points table, which gives them a big advantage. Unlike the other two teams in the Eliminator, RCB and PBKS will have two chances to reach the final, making this match even more important and thrilling, as the winner of this match would directly qualify for the final of the season.

Winning the toss, RCB Captain, Rajat Patidar, opted to bowl first and asked the Shreyas-led Punjab Kings to bat first. Announcing the changes in the squad, Shreyas chose to drop Yuzvendra Chahal from the playing XI despite his brilliant performance in the last matches and hinting at his arrival for the Qualifier 1 match. Marco goes out and Azmatullah comes in for him in the playing XI, while the Royal Challengers Bengaluru bring back Josh Hazlewood in the playing XI in place of Thushara.

Why Yuzvendra Chahal is not playing vs the Royal Challengers Bengaluru?

Punjab Kings have made a few bold moves ahead of today’s match, adding Azmatullah to the playing XI. However, one of the biggest surprises was the absence of Yuzvendra Chahal, the spin master from the playing XI, despite giving an update about his presence in the Qualifier after the last match. Despite being a regular performer, Chahal was not made part of the playing XI, nor was he named in the Impact player list, meaning he will be missing out on today’s game for the team.

The exact reason behind leaving him out remains unclear. It might be related to fitness concerns or possibly his inconsistent form this season. For now, fans are left guessing why one of PBKS’s key bowlers has been sidelined.

PBKS vs RCB: Captain’s Thoughts

Shreyas Iyer: 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.

Rajat Patidar: We will bowl first. Wicket looks very hard, decent covering of grass and will try to maximise the first few overs. Everyone gave more than 100 percent in the last game, Jitesh Salt and Kohli they were tremendous. One change for us. Hazlewood comes in place of Thushara.

PBKS vs RCB playing XI and Impact players

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

Punjab Kings Impact Subs: Vijaykumar Vyshak, Praveen Dubey, Suryansh Shedge, Musheer Khan, Xavier Bartlet.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Impact Subs: Mayank Agarawal, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Tim Seifert, Swapnil Singh.

pic.twitter.com/2ZuicauC9k

— Birdman (@kingbirdman22) May 29, 2025