Cooper Connolly has been PBKS' standout batter in IPL 2026, following Shaun Marsh's footsteps.
Cooper Connolly entered IPL 2026 as an unheralded player, much like his idol Shaun Marsh was when he debuted for Punjab Kings in 2008. Like Marsh, Connolly has emerged as the most reliable run-getter for his side. While Marsh claimed the Orange Cap that year, Connolly is a long way from that feat, but his contributions have been hard to ignore. Amidst standout performances from Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, and Shreyas Iyer, Connolly has carved out his own space with consistent runs.
Connolly's unbeaten 107 off 59 balls wasn't enough to secure victory for PBKS against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The trio of Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, and Shreyas Iyer added just 9 runs in the last 12 balls. Sairaj Bahutule, the team's spin-bowling coach, praised Connolly for maximizing the innings total, which could prove crucial for net run-rate calculations. Bahutule emphasized how Connolly's approach helped keep the team competitive despite the loss.
Sairaj Bahutule described Connolly as a positive and highly talented cricketer during a post-match press conference. He expressed confidence that Connolly would enjoy a long international career and highlighted his potential as an all-rounder. Bahutule also praised his fielding, cricketing acumen, and maturity beyond his years. Notably, Connolly has not bowled in the IPL yet due to Cricket Australia's directive to manage a back issue.
Connolly's role in maintaining momentum was underscored by Bahutule, who noted the youngster's understanding of match situations. Even when PBKS faced an uphill battle, Connolly ensured the scoring rate stayed competitive to aid net run-rate. His adaptability to Indian conditions at 22 has impressed the coaching staff. Bahutule lauded his learning curve and ability to perform consistently across various venues and pitches.
Connolly started the tournament with an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls against Gujarat Titans. He followed it up with a crucial 87 off 46 balls against Lucknow Super Giants before his maiden IPL century against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Unfortunately, Connolly now joins a list of six century-makers in the season who ended up on the losing side, out of ten total centuries scored.
Katey Martin, speaking on a show, commended Connolly for batting with conviction in tough situations. She noted his admiration for Shaun Marsh, who began his Punjab career in similar fashion. Connolly has expressed his ambition to leave a lasting legacy at PBKS, showing deep commitment to the franchise despite the transient nature of T20 leagues.
Connolly has already represented Australia at the international level, unlike Marsh in 2008. He captained Australia at the 2022 Under-19 World Cup and made his white-ball debut by September 2024. By February 2025, he had debuted in Test cricket during a tour of Sri Lanka. His rapid rise contrasts with Marsh's gradual ascent in the early years.
Connolly made his name in the Big Bash League but endured a lean run-scoring phase for Perth Scorchers last season. He managed just 209 runs across 12 innings at a strike rate of 130.33. However, he excelled with the ball, taking 15 wickets, the highest for Scorchers that season. Martin noted that while his batting struggled, his bowling stood out, showcasing his well-rounded skill set.
Martin highlighted Connolly's composure in high-pressure moments and admired his smooth wrist action. She pointed out his ability to generate bat speed and cover all areas of the field with his strokes. His technique, including a slight lag in the wrist, allows him to time the ball effectively and play expansive shots under pressure.