INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE | WITH 5.33 ER SHAMI IS THE MOST ECONOMICAL BOWLER OF IPL 2026 SO FAR
New Delhi, April 9: Punjab Kings all-rounder Cooper Connolly has set his sights firmly on IPL success as he embarks on his maiden season with the franchise, even as he remains mindful of the rich legacy left behind by several Australian greats who have donned the team’s colours in the past.
Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings have enjoyed an impressive start to their IPL 2026 campaign and are yet to taste defeat.
The side, which finished runners-up last season, will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Mullanpur on Saturday, looking to maintain their early momentum.
Over the years, the Punjab franchise has been associated with a host of high-profile Australian cricketers, including Shaun Marsh, Adam Gilchrist, Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell.
Connolly, one of the latest additions to that list, is keen to make his own mark while contributing to the team’s larger goal.
Speaking at the JioStar Press Room ahead of the IPL 2026 Rivalry Week, Connolly said that while building a legacy is desirable, his immediate focus remains on performing his role for the team. “Winning the IPL is something every player aspires to. Leaving a legacy is always nice, but those players are world-class and I still have a long way to go. For now, my focus is on what lies ahead,” he said.
The young all-rounder emphasised the importance of team contribution over individual milestones, expressing his desire to play his part in Punjab’s quest for the title. “You always want to leave something behind when you join a team.
Hopefully, that can be an IPL trophy this season. For me, it’s about doing my job and giving my best for the side,” he added.
Connolly, who grew up idolising Shaun Marsh, now finds himself sharing the dressing room with Australia’s T20I captain Mitchell Marsh.
Like the Marsh brothers, he also represents Western Australia in domestic cricket, adding another layer of familiarity to his transition into the IPL.
Shaun Marsh had famously made an immediate impact for Kings XI Punjab in the inaugural IPL season in 2008 with an unbeaten 84 on debut against Deccan Chargers.
Connolly has followed a similar script early in his IPL journey, announcing himself with a match-winning unbeaten 72 off 44 balls against Gujarat Titans. (Agencies)
