IPL 2025: 3 changes PBKS should make for the Qualifier 2 clash against Mumbai Indians

Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings will face the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians, in the second qualifier of the ongoing IPL 2025. The game will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, June 1, at 7:30 PM (IST). Notably, the PBKS are coming off a crushing 8-wicket defeat against RCB in the first qualifier.

Now, Iyer and Co. will look ahead to putting in their all to win the second qualifier against MI to secure a spot in the tournament’s final, where they will face RCB. Iyer will also aim to win his second consecutive IPL title as skipper, after lifting the title last year while leading KKR.

Given that, here we’ll have a look at the 3 changes PBKS should make for the second qualifier against Mumbai Indians.

Shreyas Iyer at number 3

One of the major changes PBKS need to make in their second qualifier clash against MI is to have skipper Iyer at his regular batting position of number three. He had already performed brilliantly while batting at number three for his side in the earlier phase of the tournament.

Iyer promoting Josh Inglis over him for number three has also resulted in a dip in his batting consistently in the tournament. So, Iyer coming back at his position will definitely help his side in getting their batting lineup stabilised.

Promoting Azmatullah Omarzai up in the batting order

There were a lot of questions over Punjab Kings’ batting approach in the first qualifier against RCB. The planning of management while deciding the batting order was also under the scanner, as they collapsed drastically at the score of just 101 runs in 14.1 overs. Star all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai also came very down the order, which raised a lot of questions.

So, it would be a wise move to execute for coach Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer to promote Omarzai up in the middle order if they want to post a big total on the board. Besides that, this move will also be very useful while chasing the target in the second half of the game.

Introduce a spinner in PowerPlay

One of the major setbacks for PBKS in the game against RCB was their strike bowlers conceding runs in the powerplay during the first six overs of the game. So, the PBKS think tank should look ahead to introducing a specialist spinner in the first six overs.

Harpreet Brar and the veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal will be good options to go ahead with in the powerplay phase of the innings. It might help PBKS to trouble the MI batters in the initial phase of the innings.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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