Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer has decided to field first against Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2, held in Ahmedabad. The decision was influenced by the “overcast” conditions and the pitch having been under covers leading up to the match, which could offer early assistance to the fast bowlers.
PBKS are feeling “recovered and rejuvenated” after their defeat from being bundled out for just 101 by Royal Challengers Bangalore in Qualifier 1. The team is buoyed by Yuzvendra Chahal’s return to fitness, replacing Harpreet Brar.
On the other hand, MI captain Hardik Pandya also favoured bowling but acknowledged the pitch conditions might not be as favourable as they once were. “The pitches have definitely flattened out since my time with Gujarat Titans in 2022,” Pandya remarked, reflecting on his stint at the venue. This observation aligns with this season’s IPL statistics where Ahmedabad has consistently yielded high scores of over 195 in seven matches. Notably, six of these games have been won by sides batting first. MI have made a change, with left-arm fast bowler Reece Topley replacing Richard Gleeson.
Mumbai Indians’ lineup includes: Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya (captain), Raj Bawa, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, and Reece Topley. Their impact bench features Ashwani Kumar, KL Shrijith, Raghu Sharma, Robin Minz, and Bevon Jacobs.
For Punjab Kings, the playing XI comprises Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (capt), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Kyle Jamieson, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Arshdeep Singh. Their impact bench includes Prabhsimran Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge, and Pravin Dubey.
This crucial encounter at the Indian Premier League 2025 serves as a decider for Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, each seeking to progress further in the competition.
