The fact that Glenn Maxwell will not be participating in the next IPL 2023 auction leaves a situation that is hard to fill for those looking for a powerful middle-order batsman who can twirl the ball as well. His ability to change the game instantly and provide tactical overs made him one of the most uniquely valuable T20 all-rounders over the years.
With the teams re-evaluating their auction strategies now that Maxwell made himself unavailable, the focus naturally shifts to the overseas players who could potentially do the same. There are several dynamic batting all-rounders who can bat in the middle, speed up under pressure, and contribute with the ball. They are available, and their names could become highly contested in the IPL 2026 auction.
- Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone brings the combination of a very wide range of brutal hitting, power against pace, and above-average leg-spin/off-spin variations. The English international has had impactful stints with Punjab Kings and RCB recently, and he is still one of the most intimidating middle-order batsmen in T20 cricket. His batting impact and ability to bowl a couple of key overs make him a Maxwell-style option for many teams, and his recent form in ILT20 only adds to his appeal.
Strengths: Fearless power hitting against pace, dual spin utility, long-range six hitter.
Role: Middle-order accelerator, who bowls matchup-based overs.
Teams intersted: CSK and LSG with their heavy purse and looking then for someone who can play impactful knocks in the middle-order and counter pace in the death.
- Michael Bracewell
Michael Bracewell, the former RCB cricketer’s counterattacking left-handed batting coupled with right-arm off-spin, makes him an all-rounder with great balance. His past innings in India were a showcase of his destructive intent, while at the same time very consistent overs with his spin worldwide and for New Zealand prove his dependability. Last year he went unsold, but now he comes to the IPL auction with good probability of being chosen as a Maxwell-like option.
Strengths: Precise off-spin, can handle both slow and fast bowlers well.
Role: Floater batter and matchup bowler in the middle overs.
Teams intersted: Punjab Kings, GT and DC especially teams wanting a stabilising all-round option with a limited budget.
- Cooper Connolly
The young left-handed Australian Cooper Connolly has been seen as a player who would draw attention due to his brave and fearless stroke-play, and even more so with his left-arm spin that is getting better.
Though Connolly has never played in the IPL, he has already shown his potential by being in the BBL and performing well in India A and against India recently, which are all indications of a world class cricketer. With his left-arm spin, Connolly thus becomes an exciting long-term investment for the franchises.
Strengths: Spin aggressive batting, left-arm orthodox bowling control, and flexibility.
Role: He may bat wherever the team needs him and also bowl during the spin-friendly phases.
Teams intersted:The teams DC, Punjab Kings, and GT all want to make a dynamic all-rounder and give him immediate game time in the middle, so they are targeting such a player.
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