Australian cricketer Cooper Connolly, 22, joins Punjab Kings for IPL 2026 after being bought for Rs 3 crore.

Australian cricketer Cooper Connolly, 22, has joined Punjab Kings for IPL 2026 after being acquired for Rs 3 crore. He acknowledged the challenge of adapting to spin-friendly Indian pitches, contrasting them with Australia’s fast, bouncy tracks. Connolly, who has played against India in Australia and trained in India, said he’s eager to learn from experienced spinners and teammates, including captain Shreyas Iyer. PBKS praised his temperament and finishing ability, calling his acquisition a surprise at such a low price. The move is seen as a strategic step in his development ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.