New Delhi, 17 December (H.S.): Punjab Kings (PBKS) have finalised their 25-member squad for the TATA IPL 2026 after acquiring four key players at the mini auction, including two capped and two uncapped cricketers, with Australian left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis emerging as their most expensive signing.

Punjab Kings opened their auction campaign by securing Australian batting all-rounder Cooper Connolly for ₹3 crore. Connolly, regarded as an emerging talent, provides valuable flexibility in the middle order and also offers a useful slow left-arm spin option.

Explaining the thinking behind Connolly’s inclusion, captain Shreyas Iyer, who has previously played against him in Australia, said, “To be honest, he was not in our plans initially, but when we brainstormed and narrowed down our options, we felt he fits this all-round role perfectly.”

He further added, “His temperament is excellent and he has the ability to finish games. These qualities are extremely important in a tournament like the IPL. We did not expect to get him for ₹3 crore; we had valued him much higher than that.”

Punjab Kings’ highest bid of the day came when they roped in Australian left-arm fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis for ₹4.40 crore. Dwarshuis is expected not only to bolster the bowling attack but also to contribute with aggressive lower-order batting, which could prove crucial in the death overs.

In addition, Praveen Dubey has made a return to Punjab Kings after being bought at his base price of ₹30 lakh. Dubey will strengthen the side as an Indian spin option and provide support to the existing spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar.

Further reinforcing their domestic core, the franchise signed young talent Vishal Nishad, also at a base price of ₹30 lakh.PBKS entered the auction with a purse of ₹11.5 crore and spent a total of ₹8 crore to add two overseas and two Indian players to their squad, thereby completing their 25-member roster for the upcoming season.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar