Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer praised the team's acquisition of Australian batting all-rounder Cooper Connolly for ₹3 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction on December 16, 2025, describing the 22-year-old as a perfect fit for the middle-order finisher role. Iyer revealed that while Connolly was not initially on their radar, team discussions highlighted his temperament and game-finishing ability—qualities crucial in the high-pressure IPL format.

"Initially, he wasn't in our mind, but as we brainstormed and narrowed down options, we realised he fit the position perfectly," Iyer said post-auction. "He has great temperament and the ability to finish games. Those characteristics matter a lot in IPL. We didn't think we would get him for ₹3 crore—we predicted much higher."

Connolly, a left-handed batsman and slow left-arm orthodox spinner, provides flexibility in the middle order alongside handy bowling options. His inclusion was PBKS's opening buy in the auction, where the franchise entered with a remaining purse of ₹11.5 crore and spent ₹8 crore on four players to complete a 25-member squad.

Also Read: Young Mumbai Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal Admitted With Acute Gastroenteritis During Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

The team's most expensive signing was Australian left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis at ₹4.40 crore, adding death-over expertise and lower-order hitting power. PBKS also reacquired leg-spinner Pravin Dubey for his ₹30 lakh base price to bolster Indian spin depth alongside Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar and secured uncapped talent Vishal Nishad for ₹30 lakh.

With two overseas and two Indian additions, Punjab Kings focused on balanced squad reinforcement, prioritising multi-dimensional players capable of impacting both batting and bowling phases. Iyer's comments reflect PBKS's strategic shift toward versatile young talents, as the franchise aims to build a competitive unit for the 2026 season under his leadership.

Also Read: Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes 25-Ball Fifty Before Malaysia Star Ends Blitz