Cooper eager to make Kings’ dream true

Shifting focus from the recent controversy over retaining and releasing Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, Punjab Kings are eager to include 22-year-old Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly in their playing squad. The youngster aims to make his mark in the middle order during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

The Kings’ latest pick, Connolly is known for his aggressive batting, sharp fielding, and handy left-arm spin. He secured a Rs 3 crore deal from the Kings at the mini-auction. In an interaction, Connolly expressed confidence in batting at any position but stressed his preference for the middle order, given his power-hitting ability.

The Kings’ latest pick, Connolly has been known for his aggressive batting, sharp fielding and handy left-arm spin. He bagged the Rs 3 crore deal from the Kings during the mini-auction. During an interaction, Connolly showed confident of batting at any order, but also stressed his liking for the middle-order considering his power hitting ability.

“I have batted at all the position, but middle order will be something good for me,” said Connolly. I like to model my game on being able to be versatile in any position. So whether that's at three, whether that’s in the middle, I’m happy to perform any role,” added the 22-year-old who plays in all three formats for Australia. The upcoming season will not only Connolly’s IPL debut, but it may become a trump card for the Kings’ batting line-up, which showcased a brilliant run in the last season. Connolly, who plays for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League, will have the likes of Shreyas Iyer and Shashank Singh sharing the crease. “I feel like I'm still learning the role at number three for the Perth Scorchers. It's a role I enjoy. But if the role in the IPL is different, that's totally understandable because it's a world class team. To just be in the middle order would be sort of a nice opportunity just to sort of knuckle down and get to work in the middle order,” added the Australian.

Though yet to interact with coach Ricky Ponting or skipper Iyer, Connolly is looking forward to working with the Australian stalwart. “I’ve heard good things about him. I’m eager to spend time tweaking my batting and hearing his thoughts,” shared Connolly. With the tournament scheduled after the T20 World Cup, he is also preparing for spin-friendly Indian tracks. “Australian pitches are fast and bouncy. Playing spin is tough for everyone, so it’s about picking the brains of experienced players and understanding their approach. Over the last three years since my Australia debut, it’s been about grasping international levels, adjusting to bowlers’ plans and countering them,” he added.