Cooper Connolly vs Mitchell Starc — IPL 2026 Fantasy Cricket Stats Comparison

Cooper Connolly vs Mitchell Starc is one of the most searched cricket comparisons, combining international career stats with IPL fantasy data. Both players bring different strengths to your XI, and the right choice can be the difference between topping the leaderboard or missing out.

Cooper Connolly is a all-rounder for Punjab Kings, priced at 8.5 Cr this season. Over 13 matches in IPL 2026, he has scored a total of 918 fantasy points, averaging 71 pts per game with a best of 195 pts. With the bat he has accumulated 481 IPL runs at a strike rate of 162.5. He has won Man of the Match 1 time this season.

International career: Cooper Connolly has scored 28 T20I runs in 11 matches at an average of 4.67 internationally. He has also taken 3 T20I wickets at an average of 77.00 with an economy of 9.24.

Mitchell Starc is a specialist bowler for Delhi Capitals, priced at 10.5 Cr. Across 6 matches in IPL 2026, he has earned 392 fantasy points, averaging 65 pts per game with a best of 154 pts., picking up 11 IPL wickets at an economy of 10.18. He has won 1 MOTM award this season.

International career: Mitchell Starc has scored 579 ODI runs in 126 matches at an average of 12.06, with 1 half-century internationally. He has also taken 240 ODI wickets at an average of 23.59 with an economy of 5.26. In TESTs, he has 2,478 runs across 105 matches (avg 20.5).

Batting edge: Cooper Connolly leads with the bat this season, making them the better pick if the pitch is expected to be batting-friendly or if the match is being played on a flat track.

Bowling edge: Mitchell Starc has been the more impactful bowler in IPL 2026, and becomes especially valuable in conditions that offer pace or spin movement.

Fantasy Impact: From a pure fantasy perspective, Cooper Connolly is the stronger pick right now with an average of 71 pts per game and a best score of 195 pts. The value-for-money metric (points per credit) further reinforces this — always check this number before finalising your captain or vice-captain choice.

Captaincy Recommendation: Based on IPL 2026 season form, Cooper Connolly is the safer captaincy option. However, if the opposition's bowling or batting lineup suits the other player, consider rotating your captain pick. Always check the playing XI, pitch report, and toss result before locking in your captain.

Stats are updated after every IPL 2026 match. Compare more players using our Player Comparison Tool or check the Fantasy Leaderboard to see how top managers are building their teams.