Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has shed light on Australia’s selection conundrum ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Ashwin questioned if Australia have the courage to play Cooper Connolly ahead of Glenn Maxwell.

Meanwhile, Maxwell opted out of IPL 2026 mini auction after he could not deliver the goods in the previous edition of the tournament. Maxwell has scored 2835 runs in 126 T20I matches at an average of 29.23 and a strike rate of 155.77.

On the other hand, Connolly had scored an impressive knock of 61 runs off just 53 balls in the second ODI against India at Adelaide in 2025.

Ashwin said currently chances of Connolly playing in Australia’s final XI are bleak as Glenn Maxwell is likely to be backed.

“There is no sure-shot place for Cooper Connolly in this team. If you want to play him, then you have to play him in place of Glenn Maxwell. Do Australia have the courage to tell Glenn Maxwell that they are resting him and playing Cooper Connolly instead? Australia have several tough decisions to make. Cameron Green does not have the skill to make the breakthroughs in the middle order,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Meanwhile, Ashwin suggested that Australia can bring back an experienced player like Steve Smith in their World Cup squad. 

“Can they go back to Steve Smith? Maybe the Australian selectors would have had a word with Steve Smith and said that we might need you. He has shown and batted well, that is why he is in the stand by. I think with all of this happening, Cummins, Hazlewood, and Zampa all struggling, Australia can use Smith’s experience. They still have time. I would be a little worried if I was an Australian fan looking at this squad heading into this World Cup,” Ashwin concluded.

Australia begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on 11th February at Colombo.