🏏 Cooper Connolly Joins PBKS, Eyes Ponting Tips

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Key Takeaways

1📊 PBKS bags Connolly for INR 3cr, beats KKR bidding war
2🏆 22yo Aussie: Big Bash runs/wickets, first Ponting stint
3💡 Seeks batting tweaks like Axar under DC legend
4🔮 Fills PBKS middle-order void post-2025 struggles
5💬 "Stuck in with Ricky" - Connolly excited for IPL

"The 25-year-old is set to take over from Meg Lanning who captained the franchise in the first three editions of the WPL"

Punjab Kings (PBKS) snagged Australian allrounder Cooper Connolly for INR 3 crore at IPL mini-auction, outbidding KKR in a rare bidding frenzy with captain Shreyas Iyer present. The 22-year-old, thrilled from Abu Dhabi, eyes tweaks under coach Ricky Ponting for his IPL debut.[cmjh5yq5c0001b68vhgvsxa62]

Connolly's Big Bash exploits (200+ runs, wickets) add X-factor to PBKS's rebuild, complementing Iyer's leadership. Post-quiet auction, this coup mirrors PBKS's 2025 Arshdeep Singh retention strategy for balance.[cmjh5yq5c0001b68vhgvsxa62]

Ponting's Mentorship: Game-Changer Potential

Connolly seeks batting refinements from Ponting, whose DC guidance elevated Axar Patel (avg 25 to 18). At 22, his SR 140+ youth evokes Marcus Stoinis' IPL breakout; allround skills plug PBKS gaps (2025 economy 9.5).[cmjh5yq5c0001b68vhgvsxa62]

PBKS Rebuild Gains Momentum

Bolsters middle-order firepower, challenging CSK-KKR depth. Iyer-Connolly duo eyes playoffs, impacting auction purses.[cmjh5yq5c0001b68vhgvsxa62]