PBKS' Cooper Connolly leaves IPL 2026 midway, returns to Australia for fitness test ahead of DC clash

In a major setback to Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings, their star all-rounder Cooper Connolly has left IPL 2026 midway and returned to Australia for his fitness tests. The 22-year-old has been dealing with the back issue, which limited his bowling in the IPL 2026. However, despite the limitation, he ran riot with the bat and became the main reason behind PBKS' unbeaten run in the ongoing season so far.

Connolly took to Instagram to provide the update and let his fans know that he has reached Australia.

ALSO READ: 40 minutes wicketkeeping, batting for an hour: MS Dhoni almost confirms his comeback for IPL's El Clasico

It will be interesting to see whether Cricket Australia sends Connolly back to India before PBKS' upcoming clash against Delhi Capitals (DC), which is scheduled to be played on April 25.

Cooper Connolly, PBKS' main man

Connolly has emerged as a standout force for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 2026 IPL season, establishing himself as a vital asset with a series of high-impact innings. He made an immediate impression in his debut season, amassing over 223 runs at an impressive scoring rate. His brilliance was headlined by a stellar, unbeaten 72 off 44 balls against the Gujarat Titans, a performance that earned him a well-deserved Player-of-the-Match award. He further cemented his reputation with a blistering 87-run knock off just 46 balls against LSG, proving his ability to anchor and accelerate the innings.

ALSO READ: IPL 2026: MI receive major boost before CSK showdown as England star joins squad

This consistent excellence from Connolly has been a primary catalyst for the Punjab Kings' strong start to the tournament. His aggressive batting has helped the side maintain an unbeaten streak throughout the early stages of the season, a run of form that has currently placed them at the top of the table.

Not just Connolly, even Sunrisers Hyderabad's designated captain Pat Cummins recently made a brief trip back to Australia to undergo mandatory fitness evaluations. Having successfully received the green light from Cricket Australia, he has now rejoined his squad to lead them for the remainder of the competition.

Talking about PBKS' performance in the ongoing season, they have played six matches so far and have won five out of them to comfortable sit at the top of the IPL 2026 points table.