Marco Jansen Unavailable, Yuzvendra Chahal Injured: Take a Look at Punjab Kings’ Possible Team for First Playoff Against RCB
The excitement around the IPL 2025 playoffs is reaching its peak, but the Punjab Kings camp is dealing with a couple of tough situations. Two key players — Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal — are set to miss out on Qualifier 1 due to different reasons.
Let’s break down everything in an easy-to-read, point-wise format so cricket fans can enjoy a smooth read while also understanding what this means for Punjab Kings’ team selection as they take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in this do-or-die encounter.
1. Marco Jansen Won’t Be Available for the Match
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Tall South African pacer Marco Jansen will not play in Qualifier 1.
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He is reportedly unavailable due to personal commitments or injury, though the exact reason hasn't been officially confirmed.
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Jansen’s ability to bowl with bounce and accuracy will be missed by Punjab Kings.
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His left-arm pace offered variety to their bowling lineup, especially in the powerplay overs.
2. Yuzi Chahal Suffers an Unfortunate Injury
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Star Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is also likely to miss this crucial playoff.
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Reports suggest he has picked up a niggle or minor injury, and the team does not want to risk worsening it.
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Chahal has been a match-winner with the ball, often breaking partnerships in the middle overs.
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His absence means Punjab Kings lose their top spinner at a very important moment.
3. Team Management Faces a Selection Puzzle
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With both players out, the coaches and captains have a big decision to make.
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They will need to rethink the bowling combination and possibly try out new faces or underused players.
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This could be an opportunity for bench players to shine under pressure.
4. Probable Replacements: Who Might Come In?
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For Marco Jansen, Punjab might bring in Nathan Ellis or Arshdeep Singh to handle early overs.
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In place of Chahal, a young Indian spinner like Rahul Chahar could be given a chance.
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Sam Curran might also step up to play a bigger bowling role alongside his batting duties.
5. Predicted Playing XI for Punjab Kings
Here’s what the expected lineup might look like in the absence of Jansen and Chahal:
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Shikhar Dhawan (Captain) – Experienced opener who provides a calm start.
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Jonny Bairstow (WK) – Aggressive English batsman, capable of explosive starts.
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Liam Livingstone – All-rounder who can hit big and bowl part-time spin.
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Jitesh Sharma – Middle-order Indian hitter, can change the game quickly.
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Sam Curran – All-rounder, might bowl more overs in this match.
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Shahrukh Khan – Known for late hitting, adds depth to the batting.
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Harpreet Brar – Spin bowling all-rounder, might be key in Chahal’s absence.
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Rahul Chahar – Likely to lead the spin attack now.
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Arshdeep Singh – Reliable Indian pacer who can bowl in the death overs.
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Nathan Ellis – Could fill in Jansen’s role with control and variation.
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Kagiso Rabada – South African speedster and the leader of the bowling unit.
6. Strategy Shift Due to Missing Players
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Without Jansen and Chahal, Punjab Kings may have to rely more on medium pacers.
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The team might need to score bigger totals to make up for their weakened bowling.
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Spin duties will now fall on Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar, who must be at their best.
7. RCB Is in Strong Form — Tough Challenge Ahead
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Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has looked strong in the final league games.
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Players like Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Mohammed Siraj are in top form.
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Punjab will have to stay focused and use smart tactics to overcome RCB’s power-packed team.
8. Big Match Players Must Step Up
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Shikhar Dhawan’s experience is crucial in guiding the team.
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Livingstone and Bairstow must provide fireworks at the top.
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Sam Curran and Rabada need to handle pressure situations smartly.
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The performance of less experienced bowlers will decide the match.
9. The Bench Strength Will Be Tested
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This match will test how deep Punjab’s squad truly is.
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Players who have not played many games will now have to perform under big pressure.
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These kinds of moments create new stars and show which teams are ready for the trophy.
10. Final Thoughts: Can Punjab Handle the Pressure?
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Losing two key players right before a big game is never easy.
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But cricket is a team game — and this is Punjab Kings’ chance to show their character.
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Fans will hope for smart planning and bold decisions from the team management.
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A win here will take Punjab one step closer to the IPL trophy.
Conclusion: Time to Trust the Team’s Depth
Punjab Kings might be missing Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal, but this is cricket — every challenge is an opportunity. With strong batting options, promising young bowlers, and seasoned international stars, Punjab has the pieces to still put on a match-winning performance.
It all comes down to execution, mindset, and making the most of every opportunity on the field. The fans will surely be backing their team, hoping to see them rise up under pressure and shine in the Qualifier.
