The anticipation for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 The mini-auctions are already building, as franchises look to refine their squads after last season and ahead of a potential mega-auction in 2027. This smaller but crucial auction offers teams a chance to fill specific gaps, particularly in the all-purpose department, and inject new, high-impact talent into their playing XIs.
With a larger purse value expected for the mini-auction, teams are bidding fiercely to sign versatile international players who can make a difference. Cooper Connollya young Australian all-rounder, is one such commodity who is likely to attract keen interest from several teams, given his usefulness in left-handed batting and spin-bowling abilities. Teams will view it as a long-term investment capable of delivering winning performances.
Cooper Connolly: The explosive form of a rising Australian all-rounder
Connolly, the young Australian southpaw all-rounder who bowls slowly with the left-arm orthodox, has emerged as one of the most exciting talents on the world tour, showing exceptional form ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. His development has been rapid, going from captain of the U19 national team to featuring for the Australian senior team in all three formats.
Connolly’s T20 prowess, particularly in the Big Bash League (BBL) for the Perth Burnerswas exceptional. In the 2024/25 BBL season, he scored 351 runs at an impressive average of over 50 and a high strike rate, which included two crucial half-centuries, demonstrating his ability to anchor an innings while maintaining momentum. He also contributed with 6 wickets, with an economy rate below 7.5, confirming his value as a dual threat.
His recent performances for Australia in limited-overs cricket are also notable, with a match-winning 61* in a recent ODI, as well as a brilliant 5-wicket haul against South Africa, indicating his talent for playing under pressure. This consistent, high-impact form makes him an extremely tempting prospect, as he offers batting firepower, a strong left-handed presence in the middle order, and a useful spin option. His ability to finish games, which he first announced with an aggressive 25* off 11 in a BBL final, positions him as a complete package for the IPL.
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5 franchises who can 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): The Gujarat Titans have often looked for a reliable middle-order hitter to complement their strong top three, and Connolly fits that requirement perfectly. They need a flexible player who can stabilize the intermediates and provide a late flourish. His ability to bat left-handed and spin slowly with his left arm would also provide a distinct tactical advantage, especially on spin-prone tracks. With a reputation for investing in high-potential young talent, GT could see Connolly as a long-term core member.
2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): RCB have often looked for an overseas all-rounder who can bat aggressively in the middle order and provide a sixth bowling option, especially with some overseas players having inconsistent seasons in that role previously. Connolly’s high strike rate and handy left-arm spin make him an ideal fit for the traditionally successful Chinnaswamy Stadium. He would provide the team with the much-needed middle-order stability and spin bowling option to balance their XI.
3. Chennai Super Kings (CSK): CSK have a history of building their teams around all-rounders and all-rounders, especially left-arm orthodox spinners, who perform well at the Chepauk Stadium. Connolly would be a great choice as he can bat anywhere from number five and offers a quality spinning option to pair with his other spinners. His temperament and ability to absorb pressure, demonstrated in big BBL matches, aligns with the CSK team’s philosophy of selecting ‘smart’ cricketers who can deliver under pressure.
4. Mumbai Indians (MI): Mumbai Indians are always on the lookout for dynamic all-rounders to fill the void left by former stars and strengthen their middle-order batting power. Connolly provides a genuine left-handed option in the middle order, which adds variety to their batting line-up, which can become right-hand dominant at times. His bowling provides an extra spin option and his fielding is top-notch, making him a perfect fit for MI’s strategy of putting together versatile, high-impact players who can be part of their core for years.
5. Rajasthan Royals (RR): Rajasthan Royals often look for young and exciting foreign talents who can bring stability and firepower to the middle order. RR has struggled to find a consistent finisher to replace players released or traded in recent seasons. Connolly’s finishing ability and aggressive approach with the bat, coupled with his valuable left-arm spin on Jaipur’s spin assist pitches, make him an extremely attractive proposition. He would add depth and ideal balance to the Royals starting lineup.
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