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Cooper Connolly Joins Punjab Kings Camp Ahead of IPL Opener

He treats the IPL as a chance to learn under captain Shreyas Iyer with guidance from coach Ricky Ponting.

Overview

  • Punjab Kings confirmed Wednesday that Australians Marcus Stoinis and Cooper Connolly joined the squad in Mohali as final preparations ramp up for IPL 2026.
  • Connolly said he wants to pick Shreyas Iyer’s brain on playing spin and to mirror elements of Shaun Marsh’s timing and boundary-hitting in his own batting.
  • The 22-year-old arrives after Punjab Kings bought him for Rs 3 crore at last year’s mini auction, signaling faith in his long-term upside.
  • He called the opportunity an honor and said he is focused on growth over immediate selection after a tough Pakistan series and two T20 World Cup games that brought three wickets.
  • Punjab Kings, last season’s runners-up under Iyer, open at their New Chandigarh home on March 31, with Connolly’s match role to be decided during this final camp.