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Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer gave fans a sigh of relief after providing an update on his wrist injury following his team’s thrilling win over Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash.
Cooper Connolly’s drive injures Shreyas Iyer
The incident occurred during a tense moment in the second innings when debutant Cooper Connolly struck a powerful drive that accidentally hit Iyer on the wrist at the non-striker’s end. The Punjab Kings skipper was visibly in discomfort, clutching his hand as the physio rushed onto the field. Ice was immediately applied, and the dugout looked concerned as their leader battled pain.
Iyer gives update on his wrist injury
Despite the worrying visuals during the game, Iyer appeared composed and smiling during the post-match presentation, easing fears about the severity of the injury.
Speaking about his condition, Iyer chose to remain cautiously optimistic, suggesting that the injury was not as serious as initially feared. He emphasized maintaining a positive mindset while avoiding making any definitive claims that could “jinx” his recovery. His calm demeanor reflected both relief and a sense of responsibility as captain, especially early in the tournament.
“All I can say, it’s nice. It’s the same as it was before. I don’t want to jinx anything. I just want to stay positive and hopefully everything comes out right,” said Iyer.
Also READ: Fans go wild as Cooper Connolly holds his nerve to steer PBKS past GT in IPL 2026 thriller
Connolly’s brilliance powers Punjab Kings to victory
While Iyer’s injury created a moment of tension, it was Connolly’s sensational knock that turned the match in Punjab’s favor. The young Australian all-rounder, playing his debut game, showcased remarkable composure under pressure, scoring a match-winning half-century.
Chasing a target of 163, Punjab Kings found themselves in a tricky situation after losing quick wickets. However, Connolly held his nerve and anchored the chase brilliantly, guiding his side to a three-wicket win in 19.1 overs.
Iyer, reflecting on the tense closing stages, admitted that he was briefly occupied with his injury inside the dressing room when the match situation became tighter. However, his message to the team remained clear—stay calm and take the game deep. He also praised Connolly’s awareness and temperament, highlighting his prior performances for Australia and his ability to handle high-pressure scenarios.
“Honestly speaking, I was focused on my hand inside, icing it and then suddenly we lost two wickets back-to-back. These things happen in the IPL and you have to remain calm and composed in such situations. So the message was pretty simple. Just take the game to the end and Cooper was there. He was pretty much set. And he’s got a great awareness as a player. I’ve seen him in the past as well, playing for Australia. He’s got a great mindset and hopefully he continues with the same form,” added Iyer.
The Punjab skipper was particularly impressed with Connolly’s fearless approach against quality bowlers. He singled out a stunning back-foot six off Rashid Khan as one of the standout moments of the match, calling it “phenomenal” and a testament to the youngster’s confidence.
Connolly’s innings not only secured victory but also signaled the arrival of a promising match-winner for Punjab Kings this season.
“Some of the shots that he played, it was surreal to watch. It was unbelievable. The back foot six off Rashid, one of the best bowlers in the IPL, to hit him so clearly and neatly, it was simply phenomenal,” Iyer added further.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
