Table of Contents
The 49th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season saw Chennai Super Kings host Punjab Kings at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium. The stakes couldn’t be higher with both teams eyeing a late push for playoff qualification. PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl first on a dry surface in Chennai. While CSK fielded an unchanged XI, Punjab were forced into a major change.
Reason behind Glenn Maxwell’s absence from the CSK vs PBKS match
As confirmed by captain Shreyas Iyer at the toss, Punjab Kings were dealt a major blow ahead of the match as Glenn Maxwell was ruled out due to a fractured finger. The Aussie all-rounder sustained the injury recently, and Iyer revealed that the team has not yet finalized a replacement in the overall squad, strongly suggesting that Maxwell’s campaign is over.
“Unfortunate that he’s got a fractured finger. Haven’t decided on a replacement so far,” Iyer said.
Maxwell’s absence is significant not just because of his international pedigree, but also due to his value as a middle-order batter and off-spin option, particularly effective against CSK’s left-handers like Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja. In their previous encounter, Maxwell bowled two economical overs and dismissed Rachin Ravindra. Despite his poor run with the bat with scoring just 48 runs in 6 innings, his all-round utility was crucial to Punjab’s balance. In his place, Mumbai youngster Suryansh Shedge was drafted into the XI, but filling Maxwell’s shoes will be a tall task as PBKS navigate a must-win situation without one of their most seasoned campaigners.
Also READ: From Sakshi Dhoni to Anjum Khan: Meet the wives of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) players in IPL 2025
CSK stays unchanged in a must-win encounter as MS Dhoni reflects on tough season
CSK, captained by the ever-strategic MS Dhoni, made the bold decision to stick with the same playing XI that featured in their previous match, despite the increasing pressure to win and stay alive in the tournament. The game, held at their fortress-like Chepauk stadium, carries added weight as a loss would confirm CSK’s elimination from playoff contention. Speaking at the toss, Dhoni acknowledged the inconsistency plaguing the squad this season, especially after a mega auction reshuffle. “We’ve been a side where we don’t make a lot of changes. But this season, it hasn’t worked for us. It’s also the first season after a fresh auction. So you have something in mind, but you have to see where a batter is suited better,” Dhoni said. He also pointed out the missed opportunity to capitalize on home conditions, which has traditionally been one of CSK’s strongest advantages.
