Australia’s 22-year-old all-rounder Cooper Connolly made a powerful impression within the second ODI of the three-match series against India on 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. Within 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 helpful future asset, particularly ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction. Listed here are three franchises that ought to strongly consider targeting him.
Rajasthan Royals : Repair Middle-Order And Ending Issues
Rajasthan Royals endured a difficult IPL 2025 season, ending ninth on the table with only eight points. Their weak ending was amongst the most important concerns. Shimron Hetmyer had an underwhelming season with 239 runs in 13 innings at 21.72 and a strike rate of 145.73, managing just one half-century.
The squad also lacked a dependable all-rounder, with Wanindu Hasaranga being the one major option. Though he claimed 11 wickets, he contributed just nine runs in five innings. Cooper Connolly could address each weaknesses. He can fortify the center order, perform as a finisher, and bowl useful left-arm spin. Across 35 T20 matches, he has scored 646 runs at a median of 32.30 with a strike rate of 132.92, aside from taking 13 wickets with best figures of three/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 general 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 resolve to release him, Connolly could possibly be a great alternative. Beyond offering long-term investment at just 22, he can act as a batting-all-rounder option alongside Krunal Pandya and supply higher 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 began to indicate strains. Russell made 167 runs with eight wickets at a high economy, while Narine contributed barely higher returns but each are 37 and past their consistent peak.
KKR need younger all-round options. Cooper Connolly can regularly take over responsibility while pairing well with domestic talents like Anukul Roy and Ramandeep Singh. Already experienced within the Big Bash and now on the international level, the young Australian could function a sensible long-term investment for KKR’s rebuild.
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