Yuzvendra Chahal’s Comeback & Reece Topley’s Debut Ignite IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 Showdown: PBKS vs MI Thriller in Ahmedabad

Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians: IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 Thrills in Ahmedabad

On Sunday, June 1, the cricket frenzy hit Ahmedabad once again as Punjab Kings (PBKS) locked horns with Mumbai Indians (MI) in the much-anticipated Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025. With a ticket to the final on the line, both teams were keen to give their best shot. The game also saw some interesting team changes and debutants which added more excitement to the high-stakes clash.

Yuzvendra Chahal Makes a Comeback

One of the most talked-about updates ahead of this crunch match was the return of Yuzvendra Chahal for Punjab Kings. The crafty leg-spinner had been sidelined for a few games due to a wrist injury. Fans were eager to see how Chahal would perform, especially after missing the last few matches, including the tough Qualifier 1 loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Chahal, who has been a vital cog in the PBKS bowling unit this season, had already bagged 14 wickets in 12 matches before his injury break. It was clear that the team missed his sharp leg-spin and clever variations. His comeback meant Punjab Kings only made a single change from their last game, underscoring the faith they have in his match-winning ability.

Before Qualifier 1, Chahal was spotted putting in some serious practice sessions, hinting at his determination to bounce back. However, he wasn’t fielded in that game. Now, in Qualifier 2, the stakes are higher, and the team looks stronger with him back in the playing XI.

Mumbai Indians’ New Face: Reece Topley’s IPL Debut

On the other side, Mumbai Indians had to make a crucial change due to injury concerns. Their experienced English pacer Richard Gleeson had suffered a niggle during the Eliminator win over Gujarat Titans (GT) just a few days earlier. The injury forced MI to look for a replacement for the Qualifier 2.

Enter Reece Topley, who was handed his IPL debut for MI in this crucial fixture. Topley, a left-arm pacer from England, has had a brief IPL journey so far, having played five matches and claimed five wickets across previous seasons. Before joining MI, he was part of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s squad in 2023 and 2024.

MI bought him in the 2025 auction for Rs. 75 Lakhs, and this was his moment to shine on one of IPL’s biggest stages. Hardik Pandya, MI’s captain, confirmed at the toss that Gleeson was still recovering and that Topley would step in.

Toss & Team Lineups: What We Saw on the Field

Shreyas Iyer, captain of Punjab Kings, won the toss and decided to field first. Given the high-pressure nature of the game, the decision to chase seemed a tactical move, banking on the team’s strong bowling lineup to restrict Mumbai Indians early.

Here’s a quick look at the playing elevens:

Mumbai Indians Playing XI:

• Jonny Bairstow (wk)

• Rohit Sharma

• Tilak Varma

• Suryakumar Yadav

• Naman Dhir

• Hardik Pandya (c)

• Raj Angad Bawa

• Mitchell Santner

• Trent Boult

• Jasprit Bumrah

• Reece Topley

Punjab Kings 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

Exciting Impact Subs for Both Sides

Both teams had strong benches with impactful substitute players ready to come on if needed. Impact subs can sometimes turn the game around by providing fresh energy or tactical flexibility.

Punjab Kings Impact Subs:

• Prabhsimran Singh

• Suryansh Shedge

• Harpreet Brar

• Praveen Dubey

• Xavier Bartlett

Mumbai Indians Impact Subs:

• Bevon-John Jacobs

• Robin Minz

• Krishnan Shrijith

• Ashwani Kumar

• Raghu Sharma

Why This Match Mattered So Much

Qualifier 2 is a knockout game, and the winner gets to play the IPL final. Both teams were desperate to keep their title dreams alive. Punjab Kings, after losing to RCB in Qualifier 1, needed this win to stay in contention.

Mumbai Indians, having survived the Eliminator against GT, were looking to build momentum and upset PBKS, who had looked strong throughout the season. The stakes could not be higher, and every player on the field understood the pressure.

A Quick Look Back: Chahal’s Season & Importance

Chahal’s presence in the team has always been crucial. In this IPL season, his 14 wickets have been a key factor in PBKS’s bowling success. His leg-spin has troubled many top batsmen, and his clever use of variations keeps the batsmen guessing.

Losing him to injury meant PBKS had to rethink their bowling strategies, and though others stepped up, Chahal’s experience and skill are hard to replace.

Reece Topley’s Journey So Far

For Topley, the opportunity to play for MI is a new chapter. Though he had some exposure playing for RCB, his game had not fully blossomed in IPL till now. IPL 2025 auction saw MI banking on his left-arm pace to add variety to their bowling attack.

Topley’s ability to swing the ball and bowl at decent pace makes him a handy weapon, especially in conditions like Ahmedabad where the pitch can assist seamers early on.

Captains’ Strategies & On-field Battles

Shreyas Iyer’s decision to bowl first at the toss was a tactical move based on the team’s bowling strength. PBKS has a good mix of pace and spin, and chasing in a high-pressure game is often a team’s preferred option.

Hardik Pandya, as a captain, relied on his experienced batsmen like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and the youngster Tilak Varma to set a solid foundation. With bowlers like Bumrah, Boult, and Santner, MI also looked confident defending totals.

Fans and Cricket Lovers on the Edge

Qualifier 2 was more than just a match. For fans of both teams, it was an emotional rollercoaster. PBKS fans were hoping for Chahal to make a massive impact after his injury layoff. MI supporters wanted Topley to prove his worth on debut for the franchise.

The atmosphere in Ahmedabad’s stadium was electric. Every wicket, boundary, and close call brought roars and gasps. The IPL, once again, showed why it’s the world’s most exciting T20 league.

What to Watch for Next?

• Chahal’s performance: Will the leg-spinner pick crucial wickets and control the middle overs?

• Topley’s debut: How does the young left-arm pacer handle the pressure of a knockout game?

• Captaincy moves: How will Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya manage their bowling changes and field placements under pressure?

• Batting battles: Will the star batsmen deliver under pressure or will the bowlers dominate?

To Sum Up

Sunday’s IPL Qualifier 2 between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians was a classic cricketing encounter filled with intensity, high stakes, and thrilling moments. With Yuzvendra Chahal back in action and Reece Topley making his debut for MI, the match had plenty of storylines.

Both teams fought hard with their playing XIs and impact subs ready to swing the game. The toss decision, captaincy strategies, and individual brilliance would eventually decide who gets the coveted IPL final spot.

For cricket lovers in India and worldwide, this clash was a perfect showcase of why IPL continues to capture hearts and imaginations every year.