Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer expressed strong confidence in the franchise’s latest purchase, Australian batting all-rounder Cooper Connolly, highlighting the youngster’s ability to finish matches and fit perfectly into the team’s plans for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The franchise made an early statement by opening their auction account with Connolly, securing the promising all-rounder for Rs 3 crore.
"To be honest, he wasn't there in our mind at the start, but later on when we were brainstorming and we zeroed in on one player, he was the one who fit the position perfectly," Shreyas Iyer said.
“He has got great temperament and the ability to finish games. So, I think all these characteristics matter a lot when it comes to IPL," Iyer noted.
However, we didn't think we would get him for 3, we actually predicted his price would be much higher," he added.
Connolly, who is regarded as a rising talent in Australian cricket, is known for his ability to play explosive knocks. Meanwhile, his inclusion comes as a solid boost to the PBKS' batting lineup, offering the team more options in the middle and death overs.