Watch: Cooper Connolly’s ‘Jai Bajrangbali’ prayer goes viral ahead of CSK vs PBKS IPL 2026 clash

When Punjab Kings (PBKS) signed the left-arm spin all-rounder from Australia, Cooper Connolly, during the auction of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, many reckoned that he would not be able to play under the pressure of the league. But under Ricky Ponting’s coaching, they had a plan. 

And during Punjab’s very first game of the IPL 2026 against the Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur in New Chandigarh, Connolly held his nerve and shouldered them over the line during the 163-run chase.

Cooper Connolly’s unique pre-match ritual grabs attention

Post the game, the youngster found himself in a fun podcast with the owner of the franchise, Preity Zinta, who spoke about Jai Bajrangbali with him and forced him to pronounce the prayer in the show, which is called ‘Bas Jeetna Hai.’

Watch the video here: 

‘So, you might be born Australian, but you’re now Punjabi by choice. You have the Punjabi spirit, and today is your first game. Obviously, it was played on Tuesday, and Tuesday is for us- it’s Hanuman ji, which is the Indian God of strength and power.’ Zinta said in the podcast.

‘It’s the day, and so, let’s say- Jay Bajrangbali.’- Zinta asked Cooper Connolly to get the prayer, which the latter did, as the Bollywood actress added, ‘So, that means you will always be strong. You will always be powerful, and you will always be protected. You are welcome to Punjab Kings.’

CSK vs PBKS clash builds hype in IPL 2026

Punjab Kings started the campaign with a dominating victory and will now travel to the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai for their second clash against the Chennai Super Kings on April 03. This will be a massive clash for both sides, especially the latter coming off a huge away victory against the Rajasthan Royals.

See Also: Watch: Abhishek Sharma smashes Varun Chakravarthy for 25 runs in an over during KKR vs SRH IPL 2026 clash

Chennai, under Ruturaj Gaikwad, is expected to be without its veteran MS Dhoni, who is nursing a knee injury. But they will hope to see Dewald Brevis making his return to the team from the injury that kept him out of the side during the first encounter. 

Fans react to Connolly’s viral moment on social media

Here is how the fans have reacted to the viral moment of Connolly on the social media platforms-