Cooper Connolly on joining Punjab Kings and working with Ricky Ponting

Punjab Kings secured Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly for INR 3 crore at the IPL mini-auction, outbidding Kolkata Knight Riders. The 22-year-old is eager to begin working with head coach Ricky Ponting.

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to getting stuck in with Ricky," Connolly said. "I've heard a lot of good things about him. I'm looking forward to spending time with him and doing some tweaks to my batting, seeing what his thoughts are. I am looking forward to getting over there and challenging myself against some of the best bowlers in the world."

Connolly will join fellow Australians Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Ben Dwarshuis, and Xavier Bartlett in the PBKS squad.

"I'm looking forward to learning off some world-class players like Shreyas Iyer and spending time with Marcus Stoinis. I'm just going to go over there with an open mind and try to take as much in as I can," he added.

As a spin-bowling all-rounder, Connolly acknowledges comparisons with Glenn Maxwell but remains humble.

"Yeah, I think the comparisons to Max, I'll take it. But he's a world-class player. I'm a long way from being as good as him," Connolly said.

Connolly also has a personal connection to the franchise through his childhood hero, Shaun Marsh, who played nine IPL seasons with Kings XI Punjab and won the Orange Cap in 2008.

"He's created a legacy all over the world. I'd like to leave a legacy at Punjab. If I get the opportunity, hopefully I can etch my name in history and win the trophy," Connolly stated. "I'm sure over the next couple of months, I'll speak to Shaun about his time at Punjab and how he enjoyed it."

Regarding his potential role, captain Shreyas Iyer has suggested Connolly could serve as a finisher. Connolly expressed flexibility, having batted in various positions for the Perth Scorchers in the BBL, including currently at number three.

"Yeah, I think for me, I've had the ability to bat in all positions. So, whether that's at three or in the middle, I'm happy to perform any role," he explained. "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 a nice opportunity to knuckle down and get to work."