As the IPL 2025 playoffs gets underway on Thursday, with Punjab Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur - both teams face a few squad changes due to international commitments.
While most of Punjab’s team remains intact, a crucial change in the bowling could affect their plans going into this high-pressure match. Punjab Kings finished the league stage on top of the table.
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But the team will now have to manage without one of their most reliable performers this season - South African pacer Marco Jansen.
Is Marco Jansen available for IPL 2025 playoffs?
Jansen picked up 16 wickets in 14 matches and built a new-ball bowling duo with Arshdeep Singh. But he won’t be available for the playoffs.
He will join the South African squad ahead of the World Test Championship final and will not return for the remainder of IPL 2025. Punjab have backups in Mitchell Owen and Kyle Jamieson to replace the Proteas allrounder in the playing 11.
Is Josh Inglis available for IPL 2025 playoffs?
On the positive side, Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis is available and will feature in the playing XI. He has been great in the middle order and adds stability with the bat.
Punjab’s likely best XI now includes Inglis at No. 3 and Jamieson in the pace attack, alongside Arshdeep and Omarzai. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who missed the last two league games due to a wrist issue, is also expected to return for the playoffs.
This will give PBKS another boost ahead of their biggest game in over a decade.