Who replaces Jos Inglis at No. 3 for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2026? That became the immediate question as soon as Inglis was released by PBKS before the auction, after the Australian batter cited issues with his availability for the whole of the season. Inglis, who was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants in the auction, had played a vital role at No. 3 for PBKS; among his highlights was a match-winning 73 against Mumbai Indians in their final league match.
It is understood that another Australian is set to fill Inglis’ role: Cooper Connolly. The West Australian, despite his lean form with the bat, is likely to bat at No. 3. Connolly, however, has been asked by Cricket Australia’s medical team to not bowl his left-arm spin in the initial part of the IPL while he recovers from a back issue. He will play as a specialist batter until the end of April.
Connolly had started the BBL with back-to-back half-centuries but scored in double-figures only three times in his next 15 T20 innings, with a highest score of 28. These games included the BBL, Australia’s tour of Pakistan and the 2026 T20 World Cup.
PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, will play their first match on March 31 against Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh.