Connolly secured his first-ever IPL deal after being picked up by the Punjab Kings at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The 21-year-old, who went into the auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore, initially failed to find a buyer. However, the Punjab Kings signed the young Australian cricketer for Rs 3 crore in the later rounds.
Mitchell Marsh was dismissed for just three runs off three balls. However, Finn Allen and Cooper Connolly completely dominated the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba.
Connolly was dismissed in the 12th over after scoring 77 runs off 37 balls, including six fours and six sixes. Brisbane Heat were left needing 258 to win, a target that all but confirmed another defeat despite a faint mathematical chance.
Cooper Connolly Could Well Be the "Real Deal" - Ravichandran Ashwin
"Cooper Connolly smashing it out of the park once again. PBKS nailed the pick ?? Leading the run-scorer chart for BBL 2025. Back-to-back 50s for the Perth Scorchers. He could well be the “Real Deal”," Ashwin wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
— Ashwin ?? (@ashwinravi99) December 19, 2025
Cooper Connolly Secures Maiden IPL Contract After Initial Setback at Auction
Cooper Connolly has already represented Australia in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, but he had never managed to secure an IPL contract until now. At the start of the auction, a few teams were keeping an eye on him, but uncertainty about how he would fit into their plans meant he went unsold at first.
Punjab Kings picked Connolly as a smart option considering his abilities. His age, international experience, ability to handle pressure, and versatility as an all-rounder are expected to benefit the franchise in the tournament.
Also read: Yashasvi Jaiswal issues official medical update amid South Africa T20Is
Hence then, the article about ravichandran ashwin calls punjab kings new acquisition real deal amid bbl 2025 26 was published today ( ) and is available on cricketaddictor ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Ravichandran Ashwin calls Punjab Kings' new acquisition "Real Deal" amid BBL 2025-26 )
Also on site :