In the wake of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Punjab Kings (PBKS) fans have a new name to rally behind: Cooper Connolly. The 22-year-old Australian all-rounder was secured by the franchise for INR 3 crore, and the narrative surrounding his arrival is already set.
With Glenn Maxwell released and choosing to sit out the 2026 season, Connolly is being viewed as the natural successor to the “Big Show” legacy—a high-impact, chaotic, and game-changing all-rounder.
The Maxwell Comparisons: “I’m a Long Way Off”
In his first interaction with the Indian media since the auction, Connolly addressed the inevitable comparisons to his senior compatriot with a blend of humility and ambition.
- Accepting the Compliment: “Yeah, I think the comparisons to Maxie, I’ll take it. But he is a world-class player. I’m a long way from being as good as him,” Connolly admitted.
- Defining His Identity: While he respects the Maxwell era, Connolly is keen on carving his own path. “I’m just looking forward to playing some positive cricket and looking to win games for Punjab,” he added.
Why Cooper Connolly is the “X-Factor” for PBKS
Punjab Kings have often struggled with middle-order stability and finishing games. Connolly brings a specific set of skills that the management believes can break the “mid-table” curse:
- Versatility: Much like Maxwell, Connolly is a “3-D” player—a hard-hitting left-handed batter and a handy slow left-arm orthodox bowler.
- BBL Pedigree: He shot to fame during the BBL 12 final, where he played a blistering cameo to win the title for the Perth Scorchers under immense pressure.
- Youthful Intent: Unlike seasoned veterans who might play conservatively, Connolly is known for “chaos potential”—the ability to disrupt a bowler’s rhythm from the first ball.
The Mission: Ending the Trophy Drought
PBKS remains one of the few original franchises yet to lift the IPL trophy. Connolly is well aware of the history but remains optimistic about the revamped squad.
“Last year, they didn’t quite win the whole thing. But I think this year looks promising… I’m just looking forward to getting over to the group and pursuing that trophy,” Connolly stated.
PBKS Squad Outlook for IPL 2026
The addition of Connolly adds balance to a side that has looked to reboot its core. By moving away from Maxwell and investing in a younger version of that archetype, PBKS is betting on long-term dividends over immediate superstardom.
| Aspect | Glenn Maxwell (The Predecessor) | Cooper Connolly (The Successor) |
| Style | Right-hand Bat / Off-break | Left-hand Bat / Slow Left-arm |
| Role | Finisher / Boundary Hitter | Utility All-rounder / Finisher |
| Auction Price | High (Retained/Large) | 3 Crore (Mini-Auction) |