Australian duo of Marucs Stoinis and Cooper Connolly have arrived in India and joined their Indian Premier League team Punjab Kings ahead of the start of the new season.
Stoinis and Connolly linked up with the team at their home ground of New International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. The team announced the arrival of the two players through its social media handles.
Stoinu aa gaya re! ???????? pic.twitter.com/JfRVDmUPJU
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 24, 2026
Bow ready, arrows steady - Cooper Connolly in the den ???????? pic.twitter.com/Xl1rWWoxw8
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 24, 2026
Stoinis, a seasoned IPL campaigner since 2016, joined the Punjab Kings ahead of the 2025 season. But despite the franchise's impressive run to last year's final, Stoinis endured a forgettable campaign, managing only 160 runs and a solitary wicket across 13 matches. The 36-year-old will be looking to better his performance as Punjab eye their first IPL title in 19 years.
Also Read: IPL Now A Playground For India Inc Next Gen | An Infographic Story
Stoinis will be buoyed by the presence of Connolly in the dressing room this time around. Connolly, who is 22, was bought by the franchise for Rs 3 crore at the 2025 IPL auction. He is one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Australia in the last few years.
As an all-rounder, Connolly bowls offspinners from his left arm and is ha handy left handed batter. He was part of the Perth Scorchers side that won the 2025-26 season of the Big Bash league in January.
PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer once again, begin their campaign on March 31 in a match against Gujarat Titans.
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