Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer made the bold decision to drop Marcus Stoinis from the playing XI for the PBKS vs KKR clash at Mullanpur on Tuesday. Stoinis, who featured in all IPL 2025 games for Punjab, was replaced by Xavier Barlett. The decision raised a few eyebrows, given Glenn Maxwell was retained, despite his patchy form. Later, it was revealed that the Australian was ruled out for a week due to injury.
Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Nehal Wadhera, Josh Inglis, Shashank Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Stoinis injured, Maxwell gets extended run
Having won the toss and opted to bat, Shreyas Iyer made a couple of forced changes to the XI, with Lockie Ferguson and Marcus Stoinis ruled out due to injury. Stoinis’ absence from the side after his fiery cameo against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the last game. Stoinis smashed four consecutive sixes off Mohammed Shami in Hyderabad but is now replaced Josh Inglis for the game against Kolkata Knight Riders. Stoinis is expected to be ruled out for a week, missing a couple of IPL 2025 games.
The injury comes as good news to Glenn Maxwell, who gets a longer rope in the playing XI. The Australian has struggled in IPL 2025, with 34 runs in 5 games. Overall, he has faced 31 balls, striking at 109.68 with an average of 8.50. With Stoinis out for a week, Maxwell can fashion himself more games, and hope to make a mark.
- Glenn Maxwell in IPL 2025
- 0 vs GT
- 30 vs RR
- 1 vs CSK
- 3 vs SRH
Maxwell key to PBKS balance?
While Maxwell has struggled, he offers spin bowling, with PBKS lacking options in that department. Yuzvendra Chahal is the lead spinner, but the Indian leggie has struggled for form in IPL 2025. Maxwell with his ability to bowl and pick wickets, offers a fine option for captain Shreyas Iyer in the middle overs.
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