Stoinis, Connolly join Punjab Kings camp ahead of IPL 2026

Last season’s runners-up Punjab Kings’ preparations for the 2026 Indian Premier League received a lift with Australian duo Marcus Stoinis and Cooper Connolly joining the squad in Mohali ahead of the new season.

Punjab Kings received a timely boost ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, with Australian all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Cooper Connolly joining the squad in Mohali.

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The duo linked up with their teammates at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, where they were warmly welcomed by the franchise. Both players appeared relaxed and in high spirits as they settled into the camp and began integrating with the squad.

Their arrival adds valuable depth to the Punjab lineup, bringing together Stoinis’ proven international experience and Connolly’s emerging talent as the team sharpens its preparations for the new season. PBKS, who finished runners-up in the previous edition, have been training intensively in recent weeks and are now entering the final phase of their build-up.

Led by captain Shreyas Iyer, the side heads into the new campaign determined to improve on last year’s second-place finish in the 2025 season. The team will play 14 league matches and is scheduled to begin its campaign against Gujarat Titans on March 31.

“Expectations are high, which is fun. I love the challenge. But the important thing is that whenever we step in, we have to win. My eye is on the trophy,” Iyer had said while speaking at the team’s jersey unveiling event.

Earlier in the build-up, head coach Ricky Ponting set the tone during the team’s first training session, urging players to stay focused on preparation and trust the process. Addressing the squad at the start of the camp, the former Australia national cricket team captain emphasised the importance of clarity in roles, discipline in preparation and confidence in the team’s approach.

Ponting also stressed that the current phase is about building the right foundations rather than worrying about immediate results, encouraging players to embrace mistakes while staying committed to the process as they prepare for the upcoming season.