Punjab Kings, who finished second in the previous season, have maintained their momentum into the IPL 2026 with two straight victories. Their spin bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, believes that a positive dressing-room environment is crucial to their early success.
Bahutule emphasised the team`s solid internal culture and methodical approach in an interview with ANI. “Since last year itself, the environment has been fabulous, and we`re just moving ahead slowly and steadily into the tournament,” he stated.
Reflecting on the Impact Player rule, Bahutule was happy with its introduction. The former Indian player looked at the positive side of the rule as 12 players get a chance to show their skills.
“It`s been there for a few years now, and an extra player gets the opportunity to express his skills, and yes, the opportunity to play an all-rounder in the game is always lacking, but for other top-line bowlers or top-line batters, that opportunity to come and showcase his skills is always there. 12 players play instead of 11, which I think is a positive aspect,” he said.
“Ponting, Hopes and Haddin are fabulous coaches. I am enjoying working under Ricky. I obviously had the pleasure of playing against him in test matches, but as a coach, he`s brilliant. He understands and gives you the space. James Hopes is the fast-bowling coach; he is also very supportive, and Brad Haddin also gets his experience,” he added.
Bahutule hails Cooper Connolly`s impact on the team
Cooper Connolly, a 22-year-old Australian all-rounder, has been one of Punjab`s most impressive players thus far. He made his IPL debut against the Gujarat Titans with a game-winning 72 and then went on to score a vital 36 against the Chennai Super Kings.
Bahutule has credited Ponting`s faith in Connolly during the auction. The PBKS franchise has backed the Aussie star since the start of the season.
“Ricky came up with his name during the auction, and I think he believed in him as a player. He believed in his ability as well as an all-rounder, and he has shown his potential in these two games, and I think as a young kid, he`s excited to be in India and perform and show the world what a good player he is. I`m sure he has a great future ahead of him for Australia,” he said.
(With ANI Input)
