EXCLUSIVE | Cooper Connolly looks to learn, grow, and emulate Shaun Marsh at Punjab Kings
Perth-born Cooper Connolly, who has modelled his batting on Shaun Marsh, a former star for Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab), is set to turn up for the Mohali-based franchise as he looks to emulate his idol. The 22-year-old was bought by Punjab Kings for Rs 3 crore during last year’s IPL mini auction.
NEW DELHI: Last September in humid Lucknow, Cooper Connolly had a long chat with India A captain Shreyas Iyer. Part of the Australia A squad, Connolly picked Iyer’s brain on tackling spin. The 22-year-old then struck a fluent 70, but little did he know that the 25-minute conversation at the Ekana Cricket Stadium had left a lasting impression on Iyer, now the captain of Punjab Kings.
A couple of months later, Punjab Kings snapped up the youngster for Rs 3 crore at the IPL mini auction. "Luckily, he was there, and we had a good conversation. It was all about cricket," Cooper Connolly told TimeofIndia.
com in an exclusive interview. "Look, he's a world-class player. I love watching him bat.
It just looks so easy. So it would be nice to pick his brain, understand him a bit, see how he goes about batting in Indian conditions, and put into practice what I can for my game in India. I'm just looking forward to learning from him," said Connolly on playing alongside Iyer.