As the Punjab Kings prepare to face the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League) Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, all eyes will be on Yuzvendra Chahal’s availability. The veteran leg-spinner, who has been a key element of PBKS’ bowling lineup this season, is expected to return after missing three straight games due to a wrist injury.

Chahal, who cost PBKS INR 18 crore in the 2025 super auction, has had a quiet season so far, taking 14 wickets in 12 innings. His greatest effort came in a low-scoring thriller against KKR, as Punjab only managed 111 runs, finishing with numbers of 4/28. Notably, his other four-wicket haul was against the Chennai Super Kings.

Chahal’s availability could be the deciding factor for Punjab as they approach their first IPL final. The 34-year-old has been out of action since May 18 with a right wrist injury, raising concerns over his availability in the knockout stages. His injury was initially referred to as a slight niggle, but it turned out to be more serious, causing him to miss three games, including the Qualifier 1 encounter against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Yuzvendra Chahal eager to return, Punjab looking to gain tactical edge over Mumbai

During Punjab Kings’ rain-interrupted training sessions in Ahmedabad, Yuzvendra Chahal was seen actively playing football, taking high catches, throwing, and even bowling a few overs in an empty net while wearing protective gear on his wrist. According to sources, he is willing to take pain injections, if necessary, to feature in this do-or-die game.

MI’s middle-order batters like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya have historically struggled against spinners who can mix up their pace and lengths. If Chahal returns, the Men in Blue and Gold will need to have a plan in tackling him as PBKS skipper will go towards his ace spinner in crucial overs.