Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer remained cautious after struggling a hand damage throughout their IPL 2026 opener in opposition to Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur, at the same time as his aspect secured a three-wicket win. Iyer was struck on the wrist on the non-striker’s finish through the chase, prompting concern within the dugout as physios rushed out to take care of him. Regardless of seen discomfort, he continued briefly earlier than being dismissed, whereas PBKS held their nerve to finish a tense chase.
Iyer later provided a guarded replace on the damage, selecting to not make definitive claims about his situation. “I might say it’s good. It’s the identical because it was earlier than. Do not wish to jinx it, hopefully all the pieces will come out all proper,” he stated. The cautious tone displays current setbacks, with the PBKS captain solely simply returning to motion after a protracted damage layoff that disrupted his rhythm and match health.
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CONNOLLY STEPS UP
Punjab’s win was powered by debutant Cooper Connolly, who produced a composed 72 off 44 balls beneath stress. Strolling in a difficult section, the younger Australian mixed composure with clear hitting to anchor the chase. His potential to choose lengths early and assault high quality bowlers stood out, notably a backfoot six off Rashid Khan that drew reward from his captain.
“A number of the pictures he performed had been surreal to look at. The backfoot six off Rashid Khan to hit them so cleanly was phenomenal,” Iyer stated. He additionally credited Connolly’s consciousness in managing the chase regardless of wickets falling on the different finish.
“I used to be centered on my hand inside, icing it. Then all of a sudden, we misplaced two wickets back-to-back. These items occur in IPL. It’s a must to be calm and composed. Cooper was there, he was effectively set,” Iyer added.
Earlier, PBKS’ bowlers had laid the platform. Yuzvendra Chahal (2/28) managed the center overs successfully, whereas Vijaykumar Vyshak impressed with 3/34. Iyer praised Vyshak’s temperament, calling him “a giant match participant” able to delivering in key moments.
INJURY CONCERN REMAINS
Iyer revealed that Punjab tailored rapidly to the situations after recognizing the character of the floor. “After the third over, we realized the wicket was taking part in gradual. We determined to bowl slower ones into the wicket and make the ball outdated early,” he stated.
He additionally famous Gujarat Titans’ aggressive subject placements early in his innings. “I simply advised Shubman that it’s one thing I have never seen earlier than. However it’s good to see captains being aggressive,” he added.
Punjab Kings now face a fast turnaround, with their subsequent match scheduled in opposition to Chennai Tremendous Kings on Friday, April 3 on the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Iyer’s health will probably be carefully monitored, particularly given his current return from a spleen damage that had sidelined him for almost two months final 12 months.
Having solely simply regained rhythm, PBKS will hope their captain’s newest damage concern stays minor as they give the impression of being to construct momentum early within the event.
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