Glenn Maxwell's absence from the upcoming IPL auction creates a significant gap for franchises on the hunt for a dynamic middle-order hitter who can also spin the ball. His knack for turning the tide of a game in an instant and delivering crucial overs has made him one of the most uniquely valuable T20 all-rounders over the years. 

With teams now reassessing their auction strategies in light of Maxwell's unavailability, the focus naturally shifts to overseas players who can fill that role. There are several exciting batting all-rounders out there, capable of stepping up in the middle, ramping up the scoring under pressure, and contributing with the ball. These players could become hot commodities in the IPL 2026 auction. 

Michael Bracewell, the former RCB player, brings a counterattacking left-handed batting style and right-arm off-spin to the table, making him a well-rounded all-rounder. His impressive performances in India have showcased his explosive potential, while his consistent spin bowling for New Zealand and around the globe underscores his reliability. After going unsold last year, he’s now entering the IPL auction with a solid chance of being picked as a Maxwell-like option. 

He delivers accurate off-spin and is adept at handling both spin and pace, making him a valuable asset as a floater batter and a matchup bowler during the middle overs. He would be a perfect fit for teams like Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Delhi Capitals especially for franchises seeking a stabilizing all-round option while working with a limited budget. 

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Cooper Connolly, the young Australian left-hander who's been turning heads with his fearless batting style and steadily improving left-arm spin. While he hasn't yet made his mark in the IPL, his performances in the BBL and recent matches against India A and India showcase his world-class potential. With his left-arm spin in the mix, Connolly is shaping up to be an exciting long-term prospect for franchises. 

He brings an aggressive approach to batting against spin, solid control with his left-arm orthodox deliveries, and the versatility to bat wherever his team needs him, all while contributing crucial overs during spin-friendly phases. He would be a great match for teams like Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Gujarat Titans—franchises eager to nurture a dynamic all-rounder who can make an immediate impact in the middle order. 

Liam Livingstone is known for his explosive hitting, powerful strokes against pace, and handy leg-spin/off-spin variations. After making a mark with Punjab Kings and RCB recently, this English international remains one of the most fearsome middle-order batsmen in T20 cricket. His ability to change the game with his batting and bowl a few key overs makes him a Maxwell-style asset for many teams, and his recent form in ILT20 only adds to his allure. 

He offers fearless power-hitting against pace, valuable dual-spin options, and the knack for clearing the boundary with long sixes, making him a natural middle-order accelerator who can also deliver crucial overs based on matchups. He would fit perfectly with teams like Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, both of which have the budget to invest in a player capable of delivering impactful middle-order performances while tackling pace in the death overs.