IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan Challenges Cooper Connolly’s No-Bowling Decision
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan publicly criticised Cooper Connolly ahead of Punjab Kings’ clash with Gujarat Titans. The match took place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on March 31.
Pathan highlighted reports that Connolly will not bowl in the opening weeks. The Australian recruit is expected to act as a specialist batter until the end of April to manage a back issue.
In IPL 2026, Irfan Pathan challenged the logic behind a planned no-bowling approach for an overseas signing. He argued that a player available for selection should not be picked with significant role limitations.
Pathan’s remarks
Pathan said selections should be without caveats. He urged players to contribute in all available skills when chosen.
Match context
Shreyas Iyer, captain of Punjab Kings, won the toss and opted to bowl first. PBKS reached last season’s final and will seek a strong start in the 19th edition.
Gujarat Titans enter the game under Shubman Gill’s captaincy. The Titans had finished fourth in IPL 2025 and lost the Eliminator to Mumbai Indians.
Team line-ups
Gujarat Titans Playing XI
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Jos Buttler (w)
- Washington Sundar
- Glenn Phillips
- M Shahrukh Khan
- Rahul Tewatia
- Rashid Khan
- Kagiso Rabada
- Ashok Sharma (debut)
- Mohammed Siraj
Impact subs: Prasidh Krishna, Jason Holder, Jayant Yadav, Manav Suthar, Kumar Kushagra.
Punjab Kings Playing XI
- Prabhsimran Singh (w)
- Cooper Connolly
- Shreyas Iyer (c)
- Nehal Wadhera
- Shashank Singh
- Marcus Stoinis
- Marco Jansen
- Xavier Bartlett
- Vijaykumar Vyshak
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact subs: Priyansh Arya, Harpreet Brar, Praveen Dubey, Vishnu Vinod, Suryansh Shedge.
Punjab Kings named four overseas players in the XI. Those were Cooper Connolly, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, and Marco Jansen.
Gujarat Titans selected several high-profile overseas names. Jos Buttler, Kagiso Rabada, Glenn Phillips, and Rashid Khan featured among them.
The match and Pathan’s comments drew attention across cricket media. Filmogaz.com will continue to provide updates and analysis.
