Media365
Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly has admitted that adapting to Indian conditions will be his biggest test when he turns out for Punjab Kings in IPL 2026.Speaking during the PBKS media round table after being bought for Rs 3 crore at the auction, the 22-year-old acknowledged the contrast between Australian pitches and those in India, saying, “I think the challenge is obviously going to be when the wickets are spinning and how my game can work on those wickets.”
Connolly pointed out how different the conditions are compared to what he experiences in the Big Bash League. “It’s very different to Australia. We’ve obviously got some fast, bouncy wickets,” he said, before admitting that spin remains one of the toughest aspects of the game. “That challenge of playing spin is a challenge that is tough for everyone.”Rather than seeing it as a concern, Connolly made it clear that he plans to learn from those with experience in Indian conditions. “It’s just about picking the brains of people who have done it for a long time and understanding how they do it,” he explained.The Australian added that adapting his game will be key as he prepares for the season. “I guess I’ll add their method to my game and see how I can sort of play in those spinning conditions,” Connolly said, while also acknowledging the quality of opposition he will face. “There are, of course, some quality spinners in the IPL. So, looking forward to that challenge.”Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer also spoke about why the franchise moved for Connolly at the auction, revealing that he was not an initial target. “Honestly, he wasn’t there in our mind at the start, but as we brainstormed and narrowed down our options, we realised he fit the position perfectly,” Iyer said.Highlighting what Connolly brings to the side, Iyer added, “He has a great temperament and the ability to finish games. Those characteristics matter a lot in IPL.”Iyer also admitted that Punjab Kings were surprised to land the Australian for Rs 3 crore. “We didn’t think we would get him for 3. We actually predicted his price would be much higher,” he said.
