From the table topper to the bay of elimination, Punjab Kings' sudden downfall can be ceased with the help of Yuzvendra Chahal; in his absence, Punjab Kings (PBKS) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Qualifier 1 match of IPL 2025. As it was reported before, Chahal missed the highly important contest due to a wrist injury. 

The experienced Indian spinner has played a pivotal role behind the dominating performance of PBKS. He struggled a while to get his rhythm back during the initial stage of the tournament, but once he found his motion, he was unstoppable in terms of taking scalps during crucial hours of matches. Now a positive report has come about the spinner, ahead of the do-or-die match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians (PBKS vs. MI), which is set to be held tomorrow at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur. 

As per fresh reports, the 34-year-old can be included in the playing combination to face Mumbai Indians. Though, there are no concrete updates about his fitness status. It'll be clear if the franchise makes any announcement regarding this during or before the match starts. 

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Why Chahal is so important at this point of the tournament?

In the absence of Chahal, the Shreyas-led team decided to play a Harpreet Brar and Azmatullah Omarzai combination against RCB, but that didn't work, and PBKS lost the golden opportunity to confirm a direct spot in the final. Now they have to display a clutch performance again, Mumbai Indians, who just defeated Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator and moved to Qualifier 2, to ensure a title shot. The winner of Qualifier 2, between Punjab and Mumbai, will play the IPL 2025 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

In this crucial moment, PBKS can take a gamble by including Chahal in the playing XI against Hardik Pandya's team. The Haryana-born player so far in IPL 2025 claimed 14 wickets in 12 matches, including a best figure of 4/28.