Shreyas Iyer was injured vs GT [Source: AFP]Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer sustained a nasty hand injury during his team's IPL 2026 opener against Gujarat Titans. The stylish Mumbaikar was dismissed shortly after a powerful stroke from Cooper Connolly struck him on his right hand. Despite Iyer's short stay in the middle, the Kings managed to avoid GT scare, chasing a modest target of 163 runs. Australian cricketer Cooper Connolly played a significant role for the home team, leading them to their first win of the season at Mullanpur Stadium. As they gear up for their second group-stage match against CSK, the Shreyas Iyer injury update has relieved the PBKS camp. Shreyas Iyer hurt his hand in the PBKS Vs GT IPL 2026 matchThe incident happened in the twelfth over of the Punjab Kings' innings. As Gujarat Titans' lead spinner Rashid Khan bowled a short ball outside the off stump, Cooper Connolly hammered it straight down the ground in pursuit of a boundary. However, his powerful shot struck Shreyas Iyer straight on his right hand. Iyer experienced severe pain and discomfort and sought an immediate medical attention following the nasty blow. Also read: Will Shreyas Iyer Be Banned For Punjab Kings' Slow Over Rate? IPL Rule ExplainedHis hand was visibly swollen and impacted his batting as the game progressed. As a result, Iyer lost his rhythm, with Prasidh Krishna getting his prized scalp on the first ball of the very next over. Shreyas Iyer sounded optimistic about recovering from the hand injury before the CSK Vs PBKS match. With Punjab Kings preparing to take on the Super Kings, the Shreyas Iyer injury update has come as a massive relief for them. Will Shreyas Iyer play CSK Vs PBKS IPL 2026 match?According to the latest Shreyas Iyer injury update, the experienced Mumbai batter has recovered from the hand injury. As per an exclusive report from MyKhel, Iyer has travelled to Chennai to play the next match against CSK at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. "Shreyas Iyer had some swelling after sustaining injury in the first game. Initially, the first aid in the form of ice pack was given and later he was taken for scans which came out normal. He's fit for the game against Chennai Super Kings and is travelling with the team to Chennai. So, he should be playing the match and lead Punjab Kings," a source was quoted as saying by MyKhel. Shreyas Iyer vs CSK: What do the numbers tell?Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer has decent numbers against Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. He has played 15 matches against CSK, amassing 371 runs at an average of 28.54. However, he would be keen to improve his strike rate, which currently reads an abysmal 115.94. As Iyer has been cleared to play the PBKS Vs CSK, he will likely bat at number four. Prabhsimran Singh will open the batting with Priyansh Arya, with the in-form Cooper Connolly taking up the number three position. Also read: CSK Great Makes Special Request To Rishabh Pant With Folded Hands
