The anticipation for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction is already building, as franchises look to fine-tune their squads after the last season and before a potential mega-auction in 2027. This smaller but crucial auction offers teams a chance to plug specific gaps, particularly in the all-rounder department, and inject fresh, high-impact talent into their playing XIs.
With a larger purse value expected for the mini-auction, teams will be fiercely bidding for versatile international players who can make a difference. Cooper Connolly, a young Australian all-rounder, is one such commodity who is likely to command serious interest from multiple teams, given his left-handed batting utility and spin-bowling abilities. Teams will be eyeing him as a long-term investment capable of delivering match-winning performances.
Cooper Connolly: A rising Australian all-rounder’s explosive form
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, showcasing exceptional form leading up to the IPL 2026 mini-auction. His development has been rapid, moving from captaining the U19 national team to featuring for the senior Australian side in all three formats.
Connolly’s T20 prowess, particularly in the Big Bash League (BBL) for the Perth Scorchers, has been outstanding. In the BBL 2024/25 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 chipped in 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 noteworthy, with a match-winning 61* in a recent ODI, alongside a brilliant 5-wicket haul against South Africa, indicating his knack for performing 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 spinning 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 that 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 batter to complement their strong top three, and Connolly fits this requirement perfectly. They need a flexible player who can stabilize the middle overs and provide a late flourish. His ability to bat left-handed and bowl slow left-arm spin would also offer a distinct tactical advantage, especially on spin-friendly tracks. With a reputation for investing in young, high-potential talent, GT could see Connolly as a long-term core member.
2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): RCB have frequently sought an overseas all-rounder who can bat aggressively in the middle order and offer a sixth-bowling option, especially with some foreign players having inconsistent seasons in that role previously. Connolly’s high-strike-rate batting and handy left-arm spin make him an ideal candidate for the traditionally high-scoring Chinnaswamy stadium. He would provide the team with the much-needed middle-order stability and rotational bowling option to balance their XI.
3. Chennai Super Kings (CSK): CSK have a history of building their teams around versatile all-rounders, particularly 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 downwards and offers a quality spinning option to partner their other spinners. His temperament and ability to absorb pressure, demonstrated in big BBL games, align with CSK’s team philosophy of selecting ‘smart’ cricketers who can deliver under pressure.
4. Mumbai Indians (MI): The Mumbai Indians are always in the hunt for dynamic all-rounders to fill the void left by past stars and strengthen their middle-order power hitting. Connolly offers a genuine left-handed option in the middle order, which adds variety to their batting line-up, which can sometimes become right-hand dominant. 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 a part of their core for years.
5. Rajasthan Royals (RR): Rajasthan Royals often look for youthful, exciting foreign talent who can provide stability and firepower in the middle-order. RR have struggled to find a consistent finisher to replace players who have been released or traded in recent seasons. Connolly’s finishing ability and aggressive approach with the bat, coupled with his valuable left-arm spin on the spin-assisting pitches of Jaipur, make him an extremely attractive proposition. He would add depth and an ideal balance to the Royals’ starting XI.
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