Sun Jun 01 13:10:00 UTC 2025: **Punjab Kings Elect to Bowl Against Mumbai Indians in Crucial Qualifier 2**
**Ahmedabad, India** – The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have won the toss and elected to bowl first against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the crucial Qualifier 2 match of the IPL 2025. The match is taking place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where dark clouds loom, potentially threatening play and raising concerns about a washout.
PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer cited overcast conditions and the wicket being under covers as reasons for his decision, emphasizing the team’s focus on winning and the positive atmosphere within the squad. Yuzvendra Chahal replaces Hardeep Brar in the PBKS XI.
MI captain Hardik Pandya, while admitting he would have also preferred to bowl first, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to post a competitive total. Reece Topley comes in for Richard Gleeson, who is out with a niggle.
The pitch is expected to favor batting, with a strong trend of teams batting first posting high scores at this venue throughout the season. Notably, in Ahmedabad this season, the average first innings score is 221, with only one successful run chase in seven matches.
The match is a high-stakes encounter, with the winner advancing to the IPL final. Weather concerns add an extra layer of drama, as a washout would see PBKS advance based on their higher league standing. The BCCI has allotted 120 minutes of extra time to accommodate for any weather delays.
Key players to watch include MI’s Suryakumar Yadav, who has been in exceptional form, and PBKS bowler Arshdeep Singh, who will look to target Rohit Sharma early in the innings. Shreyas Iyer also looks forward to return to Ahmedabad after a poor performance on their home ground and a strong showing in Ahmedabad previously.
**MI Playing XI:** Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow(WK), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya(C), Raj Angad Bawa, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Reece Topley.
**PBKS Playing XI:** Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer(C), Josh Inglis(WK), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Kyle Jamieson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh.
First Piper 