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Ex-RCB star on top; 3 best overseas alternatives to Glenn Maxwell in IPL 2026 auction

Kaushik Kashyap

Liam Livingstone. [Source - @ipl/x]Liam Livingstone. [Source - @ipl/x]

Glenn Maxwell’s absence from the upcoming IPL auction leaves a rare void for franchises seeking an explosive middle-order hitter who doubles as an off-spinner. His ability to shift momentum instantly and offer tactical overs made him one of the most uniquely valuable T20 all-rounders over the years.

With teams now re-evaluating their auction strategies as Maxwell made himself unavailable, attention naturally shifts to overseas players who can replicate what Maxwell could do. Several dynamic batting all-rounders, capable of bat in the middle, accelerating under pressure and contributing with the ball, are available and could become highly contested names in the IPL 2026 auction.

1. Liam Livingstone

Liam Livingstone brings brutal hitting range, power against pace, and handy leg-spin/off-spin variations. After impactful stints with Punjab Kings and RCB recently, the English international remains one of the most intimidating middle-order threats 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 boosts his appeal.

  • Strengths: Fearless power-hitting against pace, dual-spin utility, long-range six-hitter.
  • Role: Middle-order accelerator who bowls matchup-based overs.
  • Best fits / targets: CSK and LSG with their heavy purse and then looking for someone who can play impactful knocks in the middle-order and counter pace in the death.

2. Michael Bracewell

Michael Bracewell’s, the ex-RCB players' counterattacking left-handed batting and right-arm off-spin make him a balanced all-rounder. His past standout knocks in India showed his destructive potential, while consistent overs with his spin globally and for New Zealand highlights reliability. Unsold last year, he now enters the IPL auction with a strong chance of being picked as a Maxwell-style option.

  • Strengths: Accurate off-spin, can play both spin and pace well.
  • Role: Floater batter and matchup bowler in middle overs.
  • Best fits / targets: Punjab Kings, GT and DC especially teams wanting a stabilising all-round option with limited purse.

3. Cooper Connolly

The young Australian left-hander Cooper Connolly has drawn attention with his fearless stroke-play and improving left-arm spin. Though uncapped in the IPL, Connolly’s BBL exploits and recent outings against India A and India highlight world class potential. Combined with his left-arm spin, Connolly stands out as an exciting long-term investment for franchises.

  • Strengths: Aggressive batting against spin, left-arm orthodox control, flexibility.
  • Role: Can bat wherever the team needs him to, with bowling duties in spin-friendly phases.
  • Best fits / targets: DC, Punjab Kings and GT teams aiming to develop a dynamic all-rounder with immediate game time in the middle.