IPL 2026: ‘Long way from being as good as him’ – Cooper Connolly downplays comparison with Glenn Maxwell

Australia’s Cooper Connolly has shrugged off comparisons with Glenn Maxwell after being acquired by Punjab Kings at the mini-auction ahead of IPL 2026. Connolly, who was recently purchased by Punjab Kings for INR 3 crore, is currently representing Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League.

Connolly expressed excitement for representing PBKS and hoped to play a vital role for the franchise during the upcoming IPL installment.

“Yeah, I think the comparisons to Maxie, I’ll take it. But he is a world-class player. I’m a long way from being as good as him. The only thing I’m just looking forward to is playing some positive cricket and looking to win games for Punjab [Kings],” Connolly was quoted as saying by India Today.

The 22-year-old batting all-rounder said that he was keen to be alongside his PBKS teammates next year and make the forthcoming iteration a memorable one.

“It’s going to be an exciting group. Obviously, last year, they didn’t quite win the whole thing. But I think this year looks promising. I’m really looking forward to getting over to the group and pursuing that trophy. It’s going to be a good season,” he added.

Connolly’s base price was set at INR 2 crore. PBKS outbid Kolkata Knight Riders to secure him. IPL 2026 will be the Australian youngster’s first season in the tournament. The runners-up of IPL 2025 spent INR 8 crore at the auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16. They were left with INR 3.5 crore in the bank. Other than Connolly, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis are the other Australians in the team.

Connolly has been in top form with the bat in Scorchers’ first two matches of the season. He kicked off the campaign with a whirlwind 31-ball 59-run knock (against Sydney Sixers) which comprised three fours and five sixes, and then bettered that score in Scorchers’ next match (against Brisbane Heat), blasting 77 off just 37 deliveries.