Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly is really making waves among franchises as we gear up for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, set for December 16. With his dependable middle-order batting and knack for contributing a few overs of left-arm orthodox spin, Connolly is definitely one of the players everyone will be keeping an eye on when the bidding starts. Highly regarded in Australian cricket, Connolly quickly made his way into the national team, debuting in T20s against Scotland in September 2024. He soon followed that up with an ODI debut against England and proudly donned the prestigious baggy green cap before his Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle in February 2025. Since stepping onto the international stage, his consistent performances have kept him in the spotlight. During the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025, Connolly scored 351 runs in just 10 innings for the Perth Scorchers, boasting an impressive average of 50.14 and a strike rate of 131.46, which included two half-centuries. He also took six wickets at an economy rate of 7.41. His talent earned him a spot in Australia’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he notably dismissed Indian captain Rohit Sharma and recently delivered a match-winning fifty against India at home under pressure. Franchises entering the auction with a healthy budget and gaps in their finishing roles or spin options are likely to target Connolly’s left-handed batting and useful left-arm orthodox spin. Connolly’s ability to stabilize innings while also being able to ramp up the scoring when necessary, along with his spin bowling skills, could solve a common issue for many IPL teams. His aggressive batting style, capability to clear the boundaries, and calm demeanor, as showcased in the ODI against India, make him a valuable long-term asset, especially with the potential price hikes for players like Liam Livingstone, Michael Bracewell, and Sikandar Raza following Glenn Maxwell’s retirement. Teams looking to fill the void of a middle-order batting all-rounder, especially one who can bowl spin, have set their sights on Cooper Connolly, who has made it onto the IPL 2026 auction target list for several franchises. Here are three teams that could really benefit from bringing Connolly into their lineup. Also Read | Watch: Ben Stokes Run-Out Disaster After Inglis Nails One-Stump Direct Hit Chennai Super Kings Chennai Super Kings have always focused on building their squad around spin bowlers and all-rounders. Given that Chepauk (MA Chidambaram Stadium) has a history of favoring spinners, it makes sense for CSK to consider Connolly in their IPL 2026 target list to leverage this advantage. As a left-handed batting all-rounder who bowls left-arm spin, Cooper Connolly fits the bill perfectly. With the departure of two left-arm orthodox spinners, Rachin Ravindra and Ravindra Jadeja, he could easily carve out a spot for himself. Connolly’s versatility to bat anywhere from positions four to seven and his role as a holding spinner during the middle overs make him an appealing long-term prospect for CSK. Plus, with CSK’s batting coach and former Australian middle-order star Michael Hussey in the mix, he could play a significant role in the franchise's pursuit of Cooper Connolly. Punjab Kings After Glenn Maxwell's exit, the Punjab Kings' 2026 roster now includes just two spinners: Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar. This clearly opens up a spot for an overseas batting all-rounder who can adapt to different batting positions while also providing a few overs of spin bowling. Connolly fits the bill perfectly, known for his ability to score quickly and serve as a second spin option. This flexibility would allow PBKS to include an extra fast bowler or specialist batter without compromising their lineup. Plus, with the potential for a lower price tag than Maxwell, PBKS could build their batting order around the talented 22-year-old. The legendary Ricky Ponting, now coaching the Punjab Kings, is likely to support Cooper Connolly in showcasing his skills and developing his game, especially since they have a preference for Australian players. Gujarat Titans With Sherfane Rutherford being traded to the Mumbai Indians just before the IPL 2026 retention deadline, an overseas middle-order batter position has opened up in GT’s lineup. Connolly could be developed as a No. 4-5 batter, capable of attacking spin during the middle overs and stabilizing the innings when the top order falters. His left-arm orthodox spin would also add depth to both the batting and bowling departments, allowing GT to swap R Sai Kishore for Washington Sundar further down the order. Additionally, Connolly could serve as an impact player, especially on pitches that favor spin or when an extra left-hander is strategically needed.