The IPL Auction 2026 is almost here. During this mini auction, teams will be looking to improve their concerning areas going into the IPL 2026 season. Among a lot of big names in the auction, there is one name to watch out for, Cooper Connolly.
Connolly is an Australian all-rounder who over the last few years, has shown significant development. The 22-years-old is considered one of the hottest future prospects for the Australian men’s national cricket team.
Cooper began his professional career playing for the Australia U19 cricket team in the 2022 U19 World Cup. He made his debut for Western Australia in late 2023 while he made his T20 debut playing for the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League (BBL) early in 2023.
It didn’t take the left-hand batsman too long to make his mark in international stage as he made his Australia debut in the T20I series vs Scotland in September 2024.
Cooper Connolly has established himself as one of the biggest stars from down under and he will be going under the hammer in the IPL auction 2026. The Aussie has listed himself at a base price of 2 Cr in search of his IPL team.
The left-hand batsman and left-arm orthodox bowler did just enough in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-2026 season opener to impress the IPL franchises looking at his services. He scored 59 runs off 31 balls vs Sydney Sixers to help Perth Scorchers win the match.
Connolly has been listed in All-rounders set 3 and overall set number 21. In this article, we will take a look teams who might target Cooper Connolly in the upcoming IPL auction 2026 on December 16.
ALSO READ: IPL 2026 Mini Auction Full Players List and Start Time
Table of Contents
List of Teams Might Target Cooper Connolly in the IPL Auction 2026
| TEAM | NOTE |
|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | Spots available for All-rounders after Jadeja, Curran left; can fill the void left by Jadeja as a left-arm spinner |
| Punjab Kings | Could slot in perfectly as a replacement for Josh Inglis; Ricky Ponting was full of praise for Cooper Connolly |
| Lucknow Super Giants | David Miller replacement; lower-order finisher |
| Gujarat Titans | Sherfane Rutherford replacement; would improve the struggling middle-order |
Chennai Super Kings
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will enter the IPL Auction 2026 with the 2nd largest purse available with 43.40 Crore. After both Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran left the franchise in a trade deal involving Sanju Samson joining CSK, the yellow now needs to add at least one all-rounder in the squad.
The Ruturaj Gaikwad led side is one of the favourites for Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, but likely to face stiff competition from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). However, if they are unable to acquire Green, then it could be a great opportunity for CSK to go for Cooper Connolly in the IPL auction 2026. He can also bowl left-arm orthodox spin bowling, filling the void left by Ravindra Jadeja.
Punjab Kings
The IPL 2025 runners-up Punjab Kings (PBKS) could be another team who might target Cooper Connolly. The Kings already have all of their bases covered with 21 players already retained. Yet, they have 11.50 Cr left to spend in the auction with 2 overseas slots available.
And Cooper Connolly could fill-in one of those spots perfectly for PBKS. Ricky Ponting used Aussie batter Josh Inglis as a destructive number three batter but they opted to release him because of his availability being a concern. Ponting was full of praise for Connolly during the Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers BBL 2025-2026 game while in commentary.
PBKS have a big purse to spend and very few slots to fill, giving them a great opportunity to go for a player like Connolly.
Lucknow Super Giants
Another team that might be willing to spend big in this auction on Cooper Connolly is Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Rishabh Pant-led side has already released David Miller, opening a key spot at number 5/6 as a batter/all-rounder who would be able to finish off the games.
LSG will be coming to the IPL auction 2026 with 22.90 Cr available and 4 overseas spots to fill. And one of the important areas they have to spend on is that replacement of David Miller. And with significant amount in the purse, LSG can beat competitions for the Aussie all-rounder.
Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans could be another team interested in Cooper Connolly. Gujarat Titans would be coming to the auction with 12.90 Cr in the purse and 4 overseas spots to fill.
However, the biggest reason GT could spend for Connolly would be to replace the outgoing Sherfane Rutherford, who has been quite surprisingly traded to Mumbai Indians despite him being one of the team’s best batter last season.
Cooper Connolly would be able to contribute significantly in the Gujarat Titans middle-order, which was their biggest weakness last season.
SportsClaus Cooper Connolly IPL 2026 Team Rating
Down below, we have rated which will be the best IPL team for Cooper Connolly ahead of the IPL auction 2026.
| TEAM | RATING |
|---|---|
| CSK | 7-9 Great Pick |
| LSG | 6-8 Great Pick |
| PBKS | 6-8 Geat Pick |
| GT | 5-7 Valuable Addition |