With a solid performance in the league stages of the Indian Premier League 2025 season, Punjab Kings have managed to seal the top position on the points table.
Their thumping win over Mumbai Indians in their final league game confirmed their direct spot in Qualifier 1 and now they will aim to reach the final for the first time since 2014.
Marco Jansen will not be available for PBKS during the playoffs as he is preparing to represent South Africa in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. Jansen has been a key performer for PBKS this season as he took 16 wickets in 14 games.
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Another big talking point ahead of the playoffs is whether Yuzvendra Chahal will be back in the XI after missing the last two matches due to injury.
Let’s look at how PBKS might line up when they take the field in Jaipur on May 28.
Is Yuzvendra Chahal fit to return for Qualifier 1 against RCB?
Yuzvendra Chahal is expected to be fit and available for Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1. After missing the last two matches due to a finger injury, his return comes as a significant boost for the team.
Chahal has been in impressive form this season, taking 14 wickets in 12 matches. Notably, he delivered a match-winning performance with figures of 4/28 against Kolkata Knight Riders, helping PBKS defend the lowest total in IPL history.
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With his anticipated return, Chahal's experience and wicket-taking ability will be crucial as PBKS aim to make a deep run in the playoffs.
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PBKS predicted playing XI: How will they lineup in IPL 2025 playoffs?
Punjab’s top order is looking settled with Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh opening the innings. Inglis is expected to bat at number 3, followed by captain Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera at 4 and 5, respectively.
Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, and Azmatullah Omarzai offer in the lower middle order. If fit, Chahal will join Harpreet Brar in the spin department with Arshdeep Singh leading the pace attack.
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PBKS haven’t looked this balanced in years. Even without Jansen, their all-round options and depth give them a strong chance.
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Here is PBKS' predicted playing 11 for the IPL 2025 playoffs:
- Priyansh Arya
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Shreyas Iyer (c)
- Nehal Wadhera
- Shashank Singh
- Marcus Stoinis
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Kyle Jamieson
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Harpreet Brar/Vijaykumar Vyshak