In what is being dubbed one of the most crucial games of the Indian Premier League 2025 league stage, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) won the toss and opted to field first against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on Monday, May 26, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

Punjab Kings won the toss against Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025

The decision reflects a tactical move by the Punjab camp, banking on chasing in a pressure-cooker scenario where playoff permutations hinge on the final league standings. For Mumbai, who have surged late into contention, the equation is straightforward: win this match, and secure a place in the coveted top two. For Punjab, already through to the playoffs after a gap of 11 long years, this is their shot at rewriting history. A victory today will see them finish in the top two for the first time. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and both teams are aware that one slip could cost them an easier route to the final. Notably, PBKS made two changes to their lineup, bringing in Kyle Jamieson and Vijaykumar vyshak in place of Azmatullah Omarzai and Prabhsimran Singhwho has been named as an impact substitute. Mumbai have also brought in Ashini Kumar.

Reason behind the absence of Yuzvendra Chahal

Despite the celebratory mood surrounding Punjab’s playoff qualification, a significant concern hovered over their team sheet: the absence of veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra chahal. Not named in the starting XI or among the substitutes, Chahal’s omission was glaring, particularly given the magnitude of the encounter.

Although captain Shreyas Iyer refrained from revealing specific reasons at the toss, the situation echoes what was previously reported by ESPNcricinfo. On May 25, it was revealed that Chahal sustained a minor wrist injury, which also kept him out of the previous match against Delhi Capitals. Spin-bowling coach Sunil Joshi had mentioned it was a ‘small niggle,’ but now, with Chahal missing two consecutive games including this all-important clash, concerns have deepened about the nature of the injury. In the Pink City of Jaipur, his former IPL home ground, Chahal’s absence feels doubly significant. Given his vast experience and ability to change games in the middle overs, Punjab will be hoping that this cautious decision to rest him proves to be a short-term sacrifice for a long-term playoff gain.