The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, which is set for December 16, is still a long way off, but the franchises are already taking a keen interest in Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly. In addition to his dependable middle-order batting, he is also a left-arm orthodox spin bowler with the ability to bowl a few overs. Hence, he is already one of the players everybody would like to have when the auction starts.
Cooper Connolly has won many accolades in Australian cricket already. He made it into the national side very quickly, and he was the youngest player to debut in the national team in the shortest format against Scotland in September 2024. The same year he got his ODI debut against England and Test cap against Sri Lanka at Galle (February 2025).
He instantly became a notable player on the global cricket stage due to his consistent performances. In the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025, Connolly scored 351 runs in only 10 innings at an average of 50.14 with a strike rate of 131.46 for Perth Scorchers, accompanied by two half-centuries and taking six wickets at an economy of 7.41. He was subsequently selected for Australia’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he trapped Indian captain Rohit Sharma and also recently scored a pressure match-winning fifties against India at home.
The franchises entering the auction that have good purse space and players missing in finishing roles or spin positions may look to Connolly’s southpaw batting and useful left-arm orthodox spin.
Which Franchise Would Be the Best to Get Cooper Connolly on Board
Cooper Connolly’s playing style of being able to play the first innings as well as the second, along with his bowling spin, is expected to solve one of the major problems of many IPL franchises. His positive batting style and boundary capability, and his calmness in the ODI match against India, make him a long-term player amongst the increasing price of players like Liam Livingstone, Michael Bracewell, and Sikandar Raza after the retirement of Glenn Maxwell.
Middle order batting all-rounder, especially one who can bowl spin is the gap that over-the-top teams want to fill and it’s like Cooper Connolly has already arrived on the IPL 2026 auction target players list of multiple franchises. Below are the three teams that could get lots of benefits from the addition of Connolly in their squad.
Punjab Kings
The situation of Punjab Kings after Glenn Maxwell’s exit can be explained with just two spinners, Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar, in their players 2026 retention list. Therefore, the need for an overseas batting all-rounder is clearly there, who will be able to play at any batting position, while also being able to provide a couple of overs with his spin bowling in case of an outwardly backup done by the fast bowlers. Connolly shares the same capacity of scoring quickly and using his spin as a second option which will enable PBKS to have a fast or specialist batter without compromising on balance.
PBKS can potentially arrange their batting order around the 22-year-old batter and do so at a lower price than Maxwell. The legendary Australian captain and now Punjab Kings’ coach, Ricky Ponting would go on to lend his support to Cooper Connolly, allowing him to demonstrate his skill and also to cultivate him since they preferred only Australians.
Gujarat Titans
Sherfane Rutherford’s trade to the Mumbai Indians before the IPL 2026 retention deadline has led to the availability of a foreign middle-order batter spot in GT’s batting order. Connolly can be nurtured as a No. 4-5 batter who assaults spin in the middle overs and supports the innings under top-order falls. His left-arm orthodox spin would also enable GT to strengthen both batting and bowling with the inclusion of Washington Sundar in place of R Sai Kishore lower down the order. Connolly could also be deployed as an impact player, particularly on spinning tracks or when an additional left-hander is needed tactically.
Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings have always been keen to rely on spinners and all-rounders while making the squad. Given that Chepauk (MA Chidambaram Stadium) has been a spinners graveyard, CSK IPL 2026 target players list could include Connolly to gain the maximum advantage. A left-handed batting all-rounder with Cooper Connolly’s left-arm spin would beyond doubt suit the template, having already parted with Rachin Ravindra and Ravindra Jadeja both of whom are left-arm orthodox spin options, he could easily make his way in.
Cooper Connolly being capable of batting at any of the four to seven positions and being the holding spinner in the middle overs makes him a long-range option for attracting CSK to train. CSK’s batting coach and ex-Australian middle-order batter Michael Hussey could also be the one who is going to tell the franchise to invest in Cooper Connolly.
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