Here is why Marcus Stoinis Isn’t Playing Today’s IPL 2025 Match 31 Against KKR

The 31st match of IPL 2025 features the Punjab Kings (PBKS) facing off against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Mullanpur in Chandigarh. Winning an important toss, Punjab Kings’ captain Shreyas Iyer has elected to bat first. He says that the wicket has remained well throughout. Moreover, the outfield doesn’t skid, even with dew around. However, the big news ahead of the match is the absence of Marcus Stoinis from the PBKS playing XI. Josh Inglis comes in his place.

Punjab Kings Opt to Bat First in Mullanpur

Shreyas Iyer, leading the Punjab Kings, said that the wicket has remained well throughout. Moreover, the outfield doesn’t skid, even with dew around. He emphasised the need to take catches and be brilliant in the field. “Feel the wicket has been really well for the last couple of matches, the dew comes in but the outfield doesn’t skid through. Don’t remember the team changes, I will tell later. We need to take as many catches in the fielding and create some sort of brilliance.” Iyer mentioned at the toss.
PBKS are playing with key bowlers like Arshdeep Singh, Yizvendra Chahal, Marco Jansen, Xavier Barlett and Glenn Maxwell.

Rahane wanted to bowl first

Ajinkya Rahane, captaining the KKR side, mentioned that he wanted to bowl first on the wicket. He mentioned that he has confidence in his batting lineup to chase any target. He also said that he doesn’t worry about toss a lot as it is something you cannot control. “We were looking to bowl first on this wicket. For me, toss is something you cannot control. We have a batting that can chase the target. Just one change. Nortje comes in for Moeen Ali. He has been working hard on his game and I am really looking forward to see him bowl tonight,” Rahane said.

Why Marcus Stoinis is not playing today

PBKS have made two changes in the team. Most notably, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis misses out from the playing XI. As per reports, Stoinis has picked up an injury and he might be out of action for 7-10 days. However, the information has not been verified yet. Moreover, he has not been in great form this season. Stoinis is playing as a batter for PBKS. So, the PBKS management might just want to play a pure batter in his place by introducing Josh Inglis, another Australian. Lockie Ferguson is out due to an injury. In his place, Xavier Bartlett has been introduced.

Playing XIs

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

Kolkata Knight Riders Playing XI:

Quinton de Kock(w), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Anrich Nortje, Varun Chakaravarthy

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