anticipation of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 The mini-auction is already in the making, as franchises look to improve their squads after the last season and ahead of a possible mega-auction in 2027. This small but important auction gives teams an opportunity to fill specific gaps, especially in the all-rounder department, and add new, high-impact talent to their playing XI.
With big purse prices expected for the mini-auction, teams will be bidding heavily for versatile international players who can make a difference. cooper connollyThe young Australian all-rounder is a commodity who is likely to attract serious interest from a number of teams, given his left-handed batting utility and spin-bowling abilities. Teams will be eyeing him as a long-term investment who is capable of delivering match-winning performances.
Cooper Connolly: The explosive form of an emerging Australian all-rounder
Connolly, the young Australian left-handed batting all-rounder who bowls slow left-arm orthodox, has emerged as one of the most exciting talents on the global circuit, having displayed exceptional form leading up to the IPL 2026 mini-auction. His development has been rapid, from captaining the U19 national team to playing for the senior Australian team in all three formats.
Connolly’s T20 ability, especially Big Bash League (BBL) For Perth ScorchersHas been excellent. In the BBL 2024/25 season, he scored 351 runs at an impressive average of over 50 and a high strike rate, including two important half-centuries, showcasing his ability to structure an innings while maintaining the pace. He also took 6 wickets with an economy rate under 7.5, confirming his value as a dual threat.
His recent performances for Australia in limited overs cricket have also been noteworthy, including a match-winning 61* in the recent ODIs as well as a brilliant 5-wicket haul against South Africa, which shows his ability to perform well under pressure. This consistent, high-impact form makes him an extremely attractive prospect, as he offers batting firepower, a strong left-arm presence in the middle order and a useful spinning option. His ability to finish games, which he first demonstrated with his explosive 25* off 11 balls in the BBL final, sets him up as a complete package for the IPL.
Also read: Royal Challengers Bangalore: RCB may release 5 players before IPL 2026 auction
5 franchises that could target Cooper Connolly in IPL 2026
Here are five teams that could aggressively target Connolly in the IPL 2026 mini-auction:
1. Gujarat Titans (GT): Gujarat Titans are often looking for a reliable middle-order batsman to complement their strong top three, and Connolly fits this requirement perfectly. They need a flexible player who can bring stability in the middle overs and provide a late lead. His ability to bat left-handed and bowl slow left-arm spin will also provide a distinct tactical advantage, especially on spin-friendly tracks. With a reputation for investing in young, high-potential talent, GT could look to Connolly as a long-term key member.
2. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): RCB have often been looking for an overseas all-rounder who can bat aggressively in the middle order and offer a sixth bowling option, especially as some overseas players have already had inconsistent seasons in that role. Connolly’s high strike rate batting and handy left-arm spin make him an ideal candidate for the traditionally high-scoring Chinnaswamy Stadium. He will provide the team with much-needed middle-order stability and rotational bowling options to balance their eleven.
3. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), CSK has a history of building its team around versatile all-rounders, especially left-arm orthodox spinners, who perform well at the Chepauk Stadium. Connolly would be an excellent fit as he can bat anywhere from number five down and provides a quality spinning option to partner his other spinners. His temperament and ability to handle pressure, displayed in big BBL games, is in line with CSK’s team philosophy of picking ‘smart’ cricketers who can perform well under pressure.
4.Mumbai Indians (MI): Mumbai Indians are always on the lookout for dynamic all-rounders to fill the void left by the previous stars and strengthen the power hitting of their middle order. Connolly provides a genuine left-handed option in the middle order, adding variety to their batting line-up, which can sometimes become right-handed dominated. His bowling provides an additional spin option, and his fielding is top-notch, making him a perfect fit for MI’s strategy of assembling multi-skilled, high-impact players who can be part of their core for years.
5. Rajasthan Royals (RR): Rajasthan Royals are often on the lookout for young, exciting overseas talent who can provide stability and firepower in the middle-order. RR have struggled to find consistent finishers to replace released or traded players in recent seasons. Connolly’s finishing ability and aggressive approach with the bat, coupled with his valuable left-arm spin on the spin-assisted pitches of Jaipur, make him an extremely attractive proposition. He will add depth and an ideal balance to the Royals starting XI.
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