Shreyas Iyer To Replace Cooper Connolly? PBKS Strongest XI For IPL 2026 Match 35 Vs DC

PBKS strongest XI Vs DC [Source: AP]

The stage is set for an epic North Indian battle in the IPL as the Delhi Capitals will lock horns with table toppers, Punjab Kings, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. The two teams have had contrasting fortunes in the ongoing IPL season, with the Punjab Kings winning five out of 6 games (one match was washed out).

On the other hand, the Delhi Capitals have had a topsy-turvy journey and were torn apart by Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last match. Punjab will be oozing with confidence, as they remain the only undefeated team in the IPL 2026.

The Shreyas Iyer-led side hardly has any weaknesses, but in a day game where the surface could play an important role in the match outcome, here is how the Punjab Kings could lineup for the IPL 2026 match vs DC.

PBKS likely playing XI Vs DC- IPL 2026, Match 35

Openers and top order: Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Mitch Owen

There is no doubt that the Punjab Kings have one of the most destructive opening pairs in the IPL 2026. In Prabhsimran and Priyansh Arya, the team has two aggressive openers at the top, who can take down any attack with utmost ease.

Both the opening pair has done well in the IPL 2026, and the onus will be on them to provide an aggressive start against the Capitals.

One change we can expect at the top is the omission of star batter, Cooper Connolly at number 3. The Aussie batter has been a match-winner for Punjab at that designation, but he flew back to Australia for a fitness test.

Cricket Australia urged him to play as a specialist batter in the IPL, as the batter suffered a back injury before the tournament. He has gone for further scans, and there is a good chance that Connolly might not play vs DC. In his place, the team could bring in fellow Australian, Mitch Owen.

The Aussie all-rounder can bat at the top, and can also chip in with a few overs, which could be useful in the scorching Delhi heat.

Middle order and all-rounders: Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen

Captain, leader, and a great batter, Shreyas Iyer will continue to bat at number 4. Just like the last IPL, Iyer has been terrific so far for the Punjab Kings, and he’ll be eager to torment his previous IPL franchise.

The IPL 2025 finalists have three world-class finishers in their ranks, with Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, and Marco Jansen donning the finishers’ role. There is Nehal Wadhera warming the bench, and he’ll be used as an impact sub.

Also Read: Shreyas Iyer Breaks Silence On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi As Reports Emerge Of Both Playing For India

Bowlers: Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yuzvendra Chahal

While the PBKS batters have done extraordinarily well in the IPL 2026, the same cannot be said about their bowlers. The likes of Arshdeep Singh, and Xavier Bartlett have been expensive, and Yuzvendra Chahal has been decent to say the least.

Vyshak Vijaykumar has been their pick of the bowlers, but even he has been expensive. However, with the Kings winning all their IPL 2026 matches, it is highly unlikely that they’ll make a change in the bowling department.

PBKS strongest playing XI Vs DC- Match 35, IPL 2026

Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Mitch Owen, Shreyas Iyer(c), Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yuzvendra Chahal