PBKS Reveals Surprise Strategy for Cooper Connolly in IPL 2026 Auction

• Punjab Kings (PBKS) finalized their 25-player squad by acquiring four key players in the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
• Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly was a key, unexpected pick for Rs 3 crore, praised by Skipper Shreyas Iyer for his temperament and finishing ability.
• Ben Dwarshuis became PBKS's most expensive buy at INR 4.40 crore, adding left-arm pace and lower-order hitting.
• Pravin Dubey (INR 20 lakh) and Vishal Nishad (INR 30 lakh) were re-acquired/signed to bolster spin and domestic talent.
• PBKS spent Rs 8 crore out of their Rs 11.5 crore purse on two overseas and two Indian players.

Why It Matters: PBKS made strategic, budget-conscious picks, including a surprise Cooper Connolly acquisition, to complete their IPL 2026 squad.