During the current IPL 2025 season, today's clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has attracted maximum attention. However, two star players - Marcus Stoinis and Xavier Bartlett - are missing from the PBKS playing XI, leaving many fans curious.

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Why Marcus Stoinis Is Not Playing for PBKS Against KKR

Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been a key player for PBKS this season. His hard-hitting in the middle order and his capability of bowling cameo overs make him a key asset. Yet, in today's match between PBKS and KKR, the team management thought to include Glenn Maxwell in the playing XI in place of him.

The primary reason for Stoinis' absence is team strategy and overseas player restrictions. Only four overseas players can be in the playing XI according to IPL rules, and PBKS have chosen Maxwell, who provides big-hitting talent along with spin-bowling a strategic decision given KKR's batting prowess.

There is no injury issue for Marcus Stoinis; he has merely been rotated out to suit the team's match strategy for today's vital match.

Why Xavier Bartlett Is Not Taking the Field Today

Xavier Bartlett, the Australian pace sensation who impressed on his IPL debut, also missed out today. While no statement has officially hinted at a trouble or injury, it seems like his absence yet again is owing to overseas player restrictions and strategy changes.

PBKS has managed their overseas players very carefully this season, there was just no space left for Bartlett today. The management must have gone for an experienced set to tackle KKR's dynamic batting lineup.

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Punjab Kings' Strategy for Today's Match

The Punjab Kings management made these changes to optimize their strengths against a strong KKR lineup. Maxwell's addition is likely to strengthen the middle order and add more bowling options, something that might be significant on the Eden Gardens track.

Fans need not worry that Marcus Stoinis and Xavier Bartlett are no longer integral parts of the PBKS team and will be back in future games based on situations and opposition.

In a surprising moment during the IPL 2025 clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 15, Australian pacer Xavier Bartlett committed a costly fielding error that gifted five extra runs to the opposition. The incident occurred at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur and added unexpected drama to what was already a high-intensity encounter.

The blunder unfolded in the 8th over of KKR’s innings, right after Ajinkya Rahane had been dismissed. Venkatesh Iyer, stepping in next, nudged Yuzvendra Chahal’s first delivery towards backward square-leg for a routine single. Bartlett, positioned at fine-leg, quickly intercepted the ball and looked to return it sharply to the wicketkeeper.

However, what followed stunned everyone. In his haste to release the throw, Bartlett lost grip of the ball, causing it to slip awkwardly out of his hand and roll all the way to the boundary. The unexpected error not only drew gasps from the crowd but also handed KKR five bonus runs, making it a moment to forget for the bowler and a turning point in the intensity of the match.

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What’s happened there?! 😳

Has the game slipped from #PBKS or can they muster a comeback from here? 🫠

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— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 15, 2025

The Umpire's Decision

Rather than the traditional four runs for the boundary, the umpires awarded five runs to KKR. The reason is that Bartlett's action was termed an overthrow and not a misfield. Accordingly, one run which the batsmen had already run was included in the boundary, summing up to a total of five runs for the error. Although Bartlett previously dropped Quinton de Kock on debut during an IPL match, this act of dropping a player became the most discussed point of the match.

The match had already proved to be an up-and-down ride. PBKS, following being sent in first, was able to register only a below-par 111. KKR bowlers, steered by Harshit Rana (3/25) and Sunil Narine (2/14), kept PBKS to a below-par score. During the pursuit, KKR appeared to be in command, but a dramatic collapse, courtesy of Yuzvendra Chahal's four-wicket haul, left them short by 16 runs. Eventually, PBKS defended the lowest total in IPL history and posted a record win.