Yuzvendra Chahal back in PBKS playing XI for qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians: Reports

Ahead of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) match against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Qualifier 2 on Sunday, June 1, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been out since suffering a finger injury, may return. Yuzvendra Chahal had a finger injury that kept him out of the Punjab Kings' last three games, including the first qualifier against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Mullanpur.

On May 18, he played his most recent IPL game against the Rajasthan Royals (RR).   In the encounter, the spinner gave up 30 runs and went wicketless. Left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar played as the main spinner for Punjab Kings in Yuzvendra Chahal’s absence. Chahal reportedly engaged in fielding drills before speaking with head coach Ricky Ponting for a long time before the crucial Qualifier 2 match. With 14 wickets in 12 games at an economy rate of 9.57, the spinner hasn't had the greatest of seasons.

However, the squad may welcome back their spinner for the crucial match against the Mumbai Indians after light rains temporarily stopped Punjab's three-hour training session in Ahmedabad.   To be eligible for selection, Yuzvendra Chahal is willing to receive injections if needed. Chahal bowled a few overs in an empty net, made catches, and even participated in a football practice with teammates while keeping his right wrist protected during practice.  

Yuzvendra Chahal key bowler in PBKS 

Chahal was eventually left out of the starting lineup against RCB, despite having bowled in practice before Qualifier 1.   There is increasing hope that he will play in the crucial game against the Mumbai Indians, even if the team has not formally announced his comeback. Chahal has taken four wickets twice, once against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and once against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).   Notably, his bowling helped PBKS to defend the score of 111 during the match against KKR on April 15 at New Chandigarh.