Australia’s 22-year-old all-rounder Cooper Connolly made a strong impression in the second ODI of the three-match series against India at the Adelaide Oval. The match took place on Thursday, October 23. India, after being asked to bat first, posted 264/9, with Rohit Sharma top-scoring with 73. Adam Zampa delivered a notable bowling spell of 4/60 for the hosts. In the chase, Matthew Short laid a solid foundation with 74 off 78, and later Cooper Connolly showed maturity beyond his age.
He stayed unbeaten on 61 off 53 balls, striking five fours and a six, and guided Australia to a two-wicket victory with 22 balls remaining, helping the team secure a decisive 2-0 series lead. After this match-winning knock, Connolly has drawn attention as a valuable future asset, particularly ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction. Here are three franchises that should strongly consider targeting him.
Rajasthan Royals : Repair Middle-Order And Finishing Issues
Rajasthan Royals endured a difficult IPL 2025 season, ending ninth on the table with only eight points. Their weak finishing was among the major concerns. Shimron Hetmyer had an underwhelming season with 239 runs in 13 innings at 21.72 and a strike rate of 145.73, managing only one half-century.
The squad also lacked a dependable all-rounder, with Wanindu Hasaranga being the only major option. Though he claimed 11 wickets, he contributed just nine runs in five innings. Cooper Connolly could address both weaknesses. He can fortify the middle order, perform as a finisher, and bowl useful left-arm spin. Across 35 T20 matches, he has scored 646 runs at an average of 32.30 with a strike rate of 132.92, apart from taking 13 wickets with best figures of 3/25.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru : A Like-For-Like Upgrade On Livingstone
RCB scripted history by winning their maiden IPL title in 2025 under Rajat Patidar. Despite the overall success, Liam Livingstone struggled for impact. He appeared in 10 games and made only 112 runs from eight innings at 16.00 with a strike rate of 133.33. If RCB decide to release him, Connolly could be an ideal alternative. Beyond offering long-term investment at just 22, he can act as a batting-all-rounder option alongside Krunal Pandya and provide better squad balance through dual skills.
Kolkata Knight Riders : Begin Transition From Senior All-Rounders
Kolkata Knight Riders, three-time champions, finished eighth in IPL 2025 with 12 points. Their long reliance on Andre Russell and Sunil Narine has started to show strains. Russell made 167 runs with eight wickets at a high economy, while Narine contributed slightly better returns but both are 37 and past their consistent peak.
KKR need younger all-round options. Cooper Connolly can gradually take over responsibility while pairing well with domestic talents like Anukul Roy and Ramandeep Singh. Already experienced in the Big Bash and now at the international level, the young Australian could serve as a smart long-term investment for KKR’s rebuild.
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