Punjab Kings (PBKS) have acquired the new all-rounder Cooper Connolly for a whopping INR 3 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. Connolly assured that he can adapt his batting skills at any position in the line-up, thus giving the team the required him the needed flexibility.
Before the auction, Punjab Kings kept 21 players from their last season’s squad. They had to cover only four positions, which they did by putting together the signing of Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Praveen Dubey, and Vishal Nishad.
Based on his recent performance and potential, Connolly will be one of the all-rounders to get a place in the PBKS playing XI in the next season.
Cooper Connolly brings flexibility and balance to the PBKS line-up
In an interview with Cricbuzz, Cooper Connolly said that he is already in a good position for his BBL as he has been batting in the middle order and is now playing at number three. He stated that if he gets to finish the innings in the middle order, he will prepare accordingly and concentrate on delivering his role for the team.
“Yeah, I think for me, I’ve had the ability to bat in all positions for my BBL team Perth Scorchers. So, I’ve batted in the middle …and I bat at number three at the moment. If I get that opportunity to finish the innings in the middle order… I will prepare for that as best as I can and look to just perform my role,” Connolly said.
“We’ve still got a bit of time until the IPL. I think I like to model my game on being able to be versatile in any position. So, whether that’s at three or in the middle, I’m happy to perform any role,” he added.
After the auction, Shreyas Iyer seemed to suggest that Connolly could be a great fit as a finisher for the franchise, thus, making it interesting to see where he fits into the PBKS playing XI if the team decides to include him.
Cooper Connolly could be among the underrated signings of the Punjab Kings. Besides, he can play various positions in the order and also bowl spin, which he has stated. With the release of Josh Inglis, the No. 3 position becomes vacant; however, Shreyas Iyer might also occupy that spot, giving Connolly a chance to bat in the middle order.
The 2025–26 Big Bash League saw Connolly making his mark for Perth Scorchers, amassing 136 runs in two matches at an impressive average of 68.00 and a strike rate of 200 while batting at No. 3. He could be a perfect match for Glenn Maxwell, who was let go by PBKS. On top of that, Connolly proved his worth on the international stage scoring a half-century in the 2nd ODI against India.