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Punjab Kings Sign Cooper Connolly to Bolster Middle Order After Maxwell Exit

Connolly stresses versatility, preparing for Indian spin under coach Ricky Ponting.

Overview

  • Punjab Kings secured the 22-year-old Australian all-rounder for Rs 3 crore at the Dec 16 IPL 2026 mini-auction.
  • Team management and coverage position him as a spin-bowling, left-handed finisher to help cover Glenn Maxwell’s vacated role.
  • Connolly welcomed comparisons to Maxwell but said he is a long way from that level, emphasizing a team-first approach.
  • He said he is willing to bat anywhere — at No. 3 or in the middle order — and is focused on adapting his game to Indian conditions.
  • In strong BBL form with two recent fifties for Perth Scorchers, he also hopes performances can push his case for Australia’s T20 World Cup squad ahead of ICC deadlines.