PBKS vs CSK IPL 2025 Pitch Report: Will Mullanpur Be a Batting Paradise or a Bowlers' Battlefield?

As the 22nd match of IPL 2025 approaches, all eyes are on Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they clash at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium, Mullanpur. With PBKS in good form and CSK struggling to find rhythm, the pitch conditions at this new venue could play a decisive role.

Mullanpur Pitch Report: Bounce, Swing, and a Bit of Dew Drama

The pitch at the Mullanpur Stadium in Chandigarh is still relatively new to IPL cricket, but early indications suggest that it offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. The surface provides pace and bounce, particularly in the first six overs, which makes it a dream for fast bowlers. Seamers like Lockie Ferguson and Arshdeep Singh are expected to benefit early on.

However, once the initial movement fades, the pitch becomes more conducive to batting, especially under lights. The presence of dew has a significant impact in evening games here. It makes the ball skid onto the bat, offering extra value for shots and making life difficult for bowlers.

Key Stats at Mullanpur Stadium So Far

• Total Matches Played: 6

• Wins Batting First: 3

• Wins Chasing: 3

• Toss Impact: 4 wins for teams that lost the toss

• Most Runs in an Innings: 78 Suryakumar Yadav (MI vs PBKS, 2024)

• Best Bowling Figures: 4/29 Arshdeep Singh (PBKS vs SRH, 2024)

Clearly, this pitch has not been heavily biased toward either side, making it an intriguing battleground.

What Toss Could Decide

Considering the dew factor and early help for bowlers, teams winning the toss have preferred to bowl first. With CSK’s bowling unit looking to bounce back and PBKS in solid form, the toss could offer an early advantage—especially in managing bowling resources in the second innings.

Team Updates: PBKS and CSK

Punjab Kings (PBKS) With Shreyas Iyer leading the charge and in-form pacers like Arshdeep Singh, PBKS look balanced. Big hitters like Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis could exploit the batting-friendly conditions later in the match.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Despite a slow start to the season, CSK still have experience in the form of MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and the young dynamism of Rachin Ravindra and Sheikh Rashid. With Pathirana and Sam Curran in the attack, CSK will hope for early breakthroughs.

Conclusion

Mullanpur’s pitch sets up a compelling match-up between PBKS and CSK. With conditions expected to aid pacers early and assist batsmen later, team balance and toss strategy will play a critical role in determining the outcome.