Punjab Kings To Give Shreyas Iyer's Position To 'This' Player In IPL 2026

Shreyas Iyer [Source: AFP]

It has been understood that the Punjab Kings are considering replacing Shreyas Iyer in the IPL 2026. Led by Iyer, PBKS will begin their IPL campaign against Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans on March 31 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. 

The Kings' management made some bold changes to the PBKS IPL 2026 squad, strengthening their team with several strategic signings. 

As they prepare for the showpiece event, it has been learnt that the Punjab Kings are looking to give Shreyas Iyer's position to another player in the tournament. 

Shreyas Iyer was Punjab Kings mainstay at number 3 in IPL 2025

Experienced Mumbai batter Shreyas Iyer shifted his base from Kolkata Knight Riders after leading them to their third IPL title in 2024. The dynamic batter joined the PBKS IPL squad as the franchise picked him at a whopping price of INR 26.75 crores. 

He was eventually named the captain of the franchise and powered them to the final of the IPL 2025 season. Although the Kings lost the final to RCB, Iyer earned massive applause for his leadership attributes. 

Additionally, Iyer was one of the Kings' go-to batters, amassing 604 runs at an average of 50.33 and a blistering strike rate of 175.07. He was particularly exceptional at number three, scoring 360 runs at a magnificent average of 51.43. 

Also read: Punjab Kings Best Playing XI For IPL 2026 - Shreyas Iyer At No.4, Australia Pacer Out

However, despite the PBKS captain scoring more than 50 per cent of his IPL 2025 runs at number three, the Kings are reportedly planning to give his position to another Australian batter, who joined the team in the IPL 2026 auction. 

Cooper Connolly emerges as a strong candidate to replace Iyer at 3

Punjab Kings used explosive keeper-batter Josh Inglis at number three in the latter phase of IPL 2025. However, as Inglis informed them that he wouldn't be available for most of the 2026 season, PBKS released him to the auction pool. 

The departure of Inglis paved the way for Cooper Connolly's entry into the Punjab Kings IPL 2026 squad. The Australian allrounder became a part of the team for INR 3 crores. 

With Inglis leaving the PBKS camp, the Kings are actively searching for a suitable replacement in their playing XI. Although they have Mitchell Owen, experienced all-rounder Marcus Stoinis is set to pip him in the team selection race. 

Also, as Cooper Connolly has been advised to play purely as a batter, ESPNCricinfo has reported that the southpaw will likely take up Shreyas Iyer's position and bat at number three in the IPL this season. 

What's Cooper Connolly's record at number 3?

It's needless to say that Shreyas Iyer is versatile enough to adapt and play according to the situation. In fact, he scored 244 runs while batting at number four and five across seven outings in the previous IPL season. 

On the other hand, Cooper Connolly has a fairly decent record at number three, having amassed 378 runs in 14 innings for Perth Scorchers at a strike rate of 132.2. So, he can anchor the innings and set the foundation for a formidable score for his side in the IPL 2026. 

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