Shreyas Iyer Updates on Injury as Cooper Connolly Shines in IPL Opener

In a thrilling IPL opener, Punjab Kings secured a victory over Gujarat Titans, with captain Shreyas Iyer providing an update on his wrist injury after a painful hit. Debutant Cooper Connolly shone with a remarkable 72 not out, leading the team to a three-wicket win. Iyer praised Connolly's mindset and emphasized the importance of composure during the match's tense moments. With strong performances from bowlers Vyshak and Chahal, PBKS started the season on a high note. Connolly expressed excitement about playing alongside world-class players and shared insights on his approach to the game. Read on for more details about this exciting match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 1, 2026, 02:03 IST

Punjab Kings Triumph Over Gujarat Titans

In Mullanpur, Punjab, following a hard-fought victory against the Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings' captain Shreyas Iyer provided insights on his injury after a painful hit to his wrist. He also praised debutant Cooper Connolly for his impressive performance that led the team to a three-wicket win in their IPL opener.

Connolly's outstanding innings of 72 not out off 44 balls was crucial in guiding PBKS to their first win of the 2026 season, despite facing a challenging moment when they slipped from 110/2 to 118/6. Iyer was struck on the wrist by a powerful shot from Connolly, necessitating medical attention.

During the post-match interview, Iyer reassured fans about his injury, stating, "My hand is fine, just as it was before. I don't want to tempt fate."

Iyer commended Connolly's mindset, expressing hope that he maintains his form. "I've seen him play for Australia, and some of his shots were incredible, especially against Rashid," he remarked.

Reflecting on the team's brief collapse, Iyer emphasized the importance of remaining calm under pressure. "I was focused on icing my hand when we lost two wickets in quick succession. Such things happen in the IPL, and it's vital to stay composed. Cooper remained calm throughout," he noted.

Iyer also highlighted the performance of pacer Vyshak, who took 3 wickets for 34 runs, alongside Yuzi Chahal's 2 for 28, which helped restrict GT to 162/6. He praised Vyshak for continuing his strong form from the previous season, calling him a big match player.

Connolly, named 'Player of the Match', shared his excitement about his IPL debut, stating he looked forward to learning from world-class players. "It was great to put on a show tonight, but it was a team effort. We focused on playing together," he said.

He mentioned taking time off after the T20 World Cup to refresh and reset, which he believes contributed to his performance. Connolly described himself as a "tempo player" who prefers to find his rhythm rather than focusing solely on hitting sixes.

He appreciated the guidance from PBKS coach Ricky Ponting, noting that minor adjustments have positively impacted his game. Connolly remained optimistic about the tournament ahead, stating that during the team's mini-collapse, the atmosphere was relaxed, and they felt confident about winning.

He concluded by expressing joy in spending time with his Australian teammate Xavier Bartlett, celebrating their victory together.