Skipper Shreyas Iyer commended debutant Cooper Connolly for his composed innings as Punjab Kings secured a three-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 opener at New Chandigarh. Connolly’s unbeaten 72 guided Punjab Kings to chase 163 runs in 19.1 overs despite losing wickets towards the end. Iyer, who sustained an injury during the chase, expressed satisfaction with his fitness, stating, “All I can say about the hand is that it’s nice, same as it was before. I don’t want to jinx anything.”
Praising Connolly’s batting, Iyer highlighted the surreal shots played by the debutant, especially one against Rashid. He acknowledged a tense moment during the chase when Punjab lost quick wickets, emphasizing the need for composure, which Connolly displayed admirably. Iyer mentioned the team’s early assessment of the pitch, noting its slow nature and the efforts to make the ball old quickly.
Iyer also lauded Vijaykumar Vyshak for his three-wicket haul, noting his consistency from the previous season and labeling him a big match player. Reflecting on a light moment in the game, Iyer mentioned his surprise at an unusual field placement, showcasing attacking captaincy. Player of the Match, Connolly, expressed delight at his debut performance, attributing his success to playing according to the situation and the support from coach Ricky.
Connolly shared his preference for a tempo-based playing style, emphasizing feeling the flow of his hands and not solely focusing on big hits. He expressed excitement about the win and looked forward to the upcoming matches. Facing Rashid Khan for the first time, Connolly expressed satisfaction at overcoming the challenge. Punjab Kings will now clash with Chennai Super Kings at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.
