Ravichandran Ashwin calls Punjab Kings' new acquisition "Real Deal" amid BBL 2025-26

Former Team India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has showered praise on young all-rounder Cooper Connolly during the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26. Ashwin said that Punjab Kings (PBKS), led by Shreyas Iyer, made a “real deal” by signing Connolly at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction.

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.

Cooper Connolly Smashes Back-to-Back Fifties for Perth Scorchers

Perth Scorchers produced a record-setting batting display to post one of the highest totals in Big Bash League history. They finished with a total of 257 runs for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs.

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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.

Allen and Connolly smashed a 142-run stand off 63 balls, taking the Scorchers to 150 runs inside just 12 overs. Connolly reached his fifty in only 27 balls, while Allen matched the aggression with clean, powerful hitting, including eight sixes overall.

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

Ravichandran Ashwin praised Cooper Connolly on social media after another strong performance in the Big Bash League. Ashwin also backed Punjab Kings’ decision to sign him, calling the all-rounder a genuine talent and a “real deal” prospect.

"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).

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” pic.twitter.com/uLXPr1RtQu

— 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 later signed him for Rs 3 crore. During the 2024-25 season, he made his debuts for Australia in all three formats, including a Test debut against Sri Lanka in February 2025.

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.

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