Chasing 163, Punjab Kings rode on Connolly\u2019s unbeaten 72 to cross the line in 19.1 overs despite losing wickets at regular intervals towards the end.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Iyer, who got injured during the chase, also spoke about his fitness, saying, \u201cAll I can say about the hand is that it's nice, same as it was before. I don't want to jinx anything.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Punjab skipper was full of praise for Connolly\u2019s batting display. \u201cSome of the shots he played were surreal to watch, especially the one off Rashid,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Iyer admitted there was a tense moment during the chase when Punjab lost quick wickets. \u201cI was focused on my hand inside, icing it. Suddenly, we lost two wickets back-to-back; these things happen in the IPL. You have to stay composed, Cooper was there, he was composed and calm,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also revealed how the team assessed the pitch early in the game. \u201cAfter the third over, we realised the wicket was slow. Arshdeep came and said it was holding a bit. We tried to make the ball old as soon as possible,\u201d Iyer said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The captain also lauded Vijaykumar Vyshak, who took three wickets for his performance with the ball. \u201cVyshak is carrying forward the form he performed in the last season. He is a big match player,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Iyer also shared a light moment from the game, saying he was surprised by an unusual field placement. \u201cI was surprised to see a short leg for me. I told Shubman I had never seen that before, it's good to see captains attacking,\u201d he said, referring to Shubman Gill.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Player of the Match Connolly expressed his delight after his impressive debut performance. \u201cI was looking forward to the experience of playing with some world-class players, but to put that performance in tonight, I'm very happy. I spent some time with friends and family at home before this just to reset,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Australian added that he prefers to play according to the situation. \u201cI'm just more of a tempo player, feel the flow of my hands, don't hit too many big sixes ... working with Ricky is great. Not a lot was said; we were quite relaxed, in a great position out there, nice to get the win with Xavier, looking forward to the rest of the tournament,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Player of the Match Connolly expressed his delight after his impressive debut performance. \u201cI was looking forward to the experience of playing with some world-class players, but to put that performance in tonight, I'm very happy. I spent some time with friends and family at home before this just to reset,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Punjab Kings will next face five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n