Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer was fined Rs 12 lakh for a slow over-rate in their IPL 2026 win over Gujarat Titans, where PBKS chased 163 with five balls to spare.

Connolly brought up his half-century in just 34 balls, becoming the 25th player to score 50 or more on IPL debut.

A ferocious drive by Cooper Connolly hit Shreyas Iyer's wrist at the non-strikers' end, leaving him in need of medical attention.

PBKS vs GT, IPL 2026 Highlights: Debutant Cooper Connolly slammed an unbeaten 72 as Punjab Kings beat Gujarat Titans by three wickets in Mullanpur.

The hunger to win the Indian Premier League trophy is burning more than ever now for Shreyas Iyer, who is keen to do one better in the 2026 season, Punjab Kings' head coach Ricky Ponting said.

Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, two India T20I batters who have often been overlooked, will captain Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings respectively, each eager to make a statement in a high-stakes Indian Premier League opener.

Punjab Kings will begin their IPL 2026 campaign on March 31 against Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh.

Shreyas Iyer also created history by becoming the first captain in the IPL to reach the final with three different franchises - Delhi Capitals in 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, and Punjab Kings in 2025.

After finishing as the runners-up in 2025, Punjab Kings are set to begin their IPL 2026 campaign on March 31 against Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh.

Punjab Kings have kicked off their preparations for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026. As head coach, Ricky Ponting joined the camp, and he delivered a strong message to the squad, telling players to focus on the process.