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"Wasn't there in our mind...": Shreyas Iyer on choosing Connolly at IPL 2026 mini‑auction

Aakash Saini

Shreyas Iyer praises Cooper Connolly [Source: AFP, @cricketcomau/x]Shreyas Iyer praises Cooper Connolly [Source: AFP, @cricketcomau/x]

Punjab Kings made four acquisitions at the IPL 2026 auction to complete their 25-player squad for next year’s tournament. Among the two capped players, the Punjab Kings signed Australia’s young batting all-rounder Cooper Connolly for a sum of Rs. 3 crores, a relatively smaller amount as per initial expectations, if team captain Shreyas Iyer is to be believed.

After the auction, Iyer explained Punjab Kings’ late decision behind acquiring Connolly, and how the Australian cricketer perfectly aligns with the team composition for IPL 2026.

Shreyas Iyer says Cooper Connolly has a "great temperament"

While speaking after the IPL 2026 auction, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer admitted that while Cooper Connolly was not in team’s initial plans, the franchise decided to rope him after brainstorming as they realized the cricketer “fits the position”.

Shreyas Iyer said:

“Honestly, he wasn't there in our mind at the start but as we brainstormed and narrowed down our options, we realized he fit the position perfectly.”

The star Indian batter also added that Cooper Connolly has a “great temperament” with an ability of finishing matches. He stated:

“He has a great temperament and the ability to finish games. Those characteristics matter a lot in IPL. However, we didn't think we would get him for 3, we actually predicted his price would be much higher.”

Apart from Cooper Connolly, the Punjab Kings also landed Australian bowler Ben Dwarshuis in their mix for a sum of Rs. 4.40 crores, their costliest buy at the IPL 2026 auction. Among the uncapped players, the franchise purchased bowler Pravin Dubey and all-rounder Vishal Nishad.

Earlier this year in IPL 2025, the Punjab Kings franchise enjoyed its best-ever season in over a decade by reaching the final. However, on the big day, the team lost to fellow first-time title chasers RCB in a thrilling finish.