PBKS bought a total of four players in the IPL 2026 mini auction to complete their 25-member squad. Connolly, who was bought for Rs 3 crore, provides flexibility in the middle order as well as a left-arm slow spin option. Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer shared his opinion on the inclusion of Australian batting all-rounder Cooper Connolly in the team. Iyer said that Connolly has the ability to finish matches and this role is a perfect fit for him.
Shreyas Iyer’s reaction
“To be honest, he wasn’t on our mind initially, but as we considered the options, we saw he was a perfect fit for the position. He has a calm demeanor and the ability to finish games, which is crucial in the IPL. We didn’t expect him to be available for just 3 crore rupees,” Iyer said.
PBKS’ other big buys
PBKS acquired Ben Dwarshuis for ₹4.40 crore (₹4.40 crore) at the auction, strengthening the team as a left-arm pacer and a power-hitter in the death overs. Praveen Dubey was rehired for his base price of ₹30 lakh (₹30 lakh) and will provide Indian spin backup alongside Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar. Vishal Nishad was also added for ₹30 lakh (₹30 lakh), further strengthening the domestic young talent pool.
PBKS had kept a purse of Rs 11.5 crore in the auction and spent Rs 8 crore by buying two foreign and two Indian players.