former indian cricketer Irfan Pathan Cooper Connolly, an overseas recruit of Punjab Kings, was criticized ahead of the IPL 2026 clash against Gujarat Titans at the Maharaja Yadvendra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, March 31.
Pathan expressed concern over Connolly's role in the team and said the Australian all-rounder would not bowl in the initial matches due to a back problem. According to reports, Connolly is expected to play fully as a specialist batsman by the end of April in order to manage his fitness. The former India all-rounder expressed disappointment, saying that once a player makes himself available for selection, such situations should not arise.
“It is being said that Cooper Connolly will not bowl. It is very convenient, Cameron Green will come, but will not bowl. Connolly will also come as a spinner, but will not bowl. I do not understand this. Aaye ho toh pura karo (If you have come, do everything),” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
Talking about the match, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and decided to bowl first. PBKS, who finished runners-up last season, will be keen to make a strong start to their campaign in the 19th edition of the IPL. For this match, PBKS fielded four overseas players, Cooper Connolly, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett and Marco Jansson.
On the other hand, Shubman Gill is leading Gujarat Titans, who have included Jos Buttler, Kagiso Rabada, Glenn Phillips and Rashid Khan as their overseas choices. GT has also handed debut to Ashok Sharma. The Titans finished fourth in IPL 2025 and lost to Mumbai Indians in the eliminator, and will now look to improve on that performance this season.
Playing XI of Gujarat Titans:
Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill (captain), Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, M Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Ashok Sharma, Mohammed Siraj.
Effect Sub: Prasidh Krishna, Jason Holder, Jayant Yadav, Manav Suthar, Kumar Kushagra
Playing XI of Punjab Kings:
Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Johnson, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vishak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Effect Sub: Priyansh Arya, Harpreet Brar, Praveen Dubey, Vishnu Vinod, Suryansh Shedge
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