Cooper Connolly

Cooper Connolly is a 22-year-old Australian sensation who was signed by Punjab Kings for ₹3 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. A dynamic left-handed all-rounder from Western Australia, Connolly has rapidly ascended from a youth captain to a three-format international. He first gained cult hero status in Australia after smashing an unbeaten 25 off 11 balls to win the BBL|12 final for the Perth Scorchers at just 19 years old. Since then, he has become a mainstay in the Scorchers' lineup, recently winning the 2026 Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year award following a dominant domestic season where he averaged over 50 in the Big Bash.

Connolly’s value lies in his versatility as a middle-order 'finisher' and a strategic left-arm orthodox bowler. He enters the 2026 IPL season in peak form, having recently featured in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad and made history as the youngest Australian man to take an ODI five-wicket haul (5/22 vs South Africa). His ability to absorb pressure was further proven in late 2025 when he steered Australia to a series win against India with a composed 61 off 53 balls* in Adelaide. With a career T20 strike rate of 137 and a knack for delivering economical overs in the powerplay, Connolly provides the Punjab Kings with a youthful 'Swiss Army knife' capable of changing games with both bat and ball.