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Cooper Connolly flies home for back scans, expected back for PBKS vs DC clash

Punjab Kings all-rounder Cooper Connolly has returned to Australia for scans on a pre-existing back injury. The franchise expects him to rejoin the squad in New Delhi for their upcoming match against Delhi Capitals. Connolly has been playing solely as a batter under Cricket Australia's instructions, amassing 223 runs in six matches. PBKS currently leads the IPL 2026 points table as the only unbeaten team.

Key Points: PBKS' Cooper Connolly Returns for Scans, IPL 2026 Return Expected

  • Back injury scan in Australia
  • Expected to rejoin PBKS soon
  • Playing as specialist batter only
  • Impactful with 223 runs in 6 matches
  • PBKS top unbeaten in IPL 2026
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IPL 2026: Connolly goes home for scans on back, expected to return for PBKS clash against DC

Punjab Kings' Cooper Connolly flies to Australia for back scans but is expected to rejoin the squad for their IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals.

"Yes, Connolly has gone back to Australia for a scan on his back. It's similar to what Pat Cummins did earlier. - Source to IANS"

New Delhi, April 22

Punjab Kings batting all-rounder Cooper Connolly has returned home for scans on his back, but is expected to rejoin the squad in time for their upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 clash against Delhi Capitals, to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Connolly's Instagram story, which showed him in Perth, triggered speculation that he had flown home for the scans, though he did not explain his return on the widely used social media platform. Cricket Australia (CA) previously instructed Connolly to play only as a specialist batter till the end of April.

"Yes, Connolly has gone back to Australia for a scan on his back. It's similar to what Pat Cummins did earlier. Connolly is likely to rejoin the PBKS squad, who have arrived in New Delhi this afternoon, by tomorrow night. The scan reports run by CA will give the franchise a clearer picture of whether he can bowl in the rest of their IPL campaign," said a source tracking the development to IANS on Wednesday.

Connolly entered IPL 2026 with a back injury, which has prevented PBKS from using his services as a left-arm spinner. Despite that, Connolly, 22, has still made a huge impact for PBKS as a specialist batter - amassing 223 runs in six matches.

He recently hit a 46-ball 87 while sharing a blistering 182-run stand with Priyansh Arya, against Lucknow Super Giants in the side's commanding 54-run win in New Chandigarh.

Connolly was roped in by PBKS for Rs three crore during the IPL 2026 mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi last year. PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, sit atop the IPL 2026 points table with 11 points from six matches and are the only unbeaten side in the competition.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Smart move by CA and PBKS to prioritize his long-term health. Back injuries are tricky, especially for an all-rounder. His batting alone is worth the 3 crore! PBKS management has done well.
A
Aman W
Flying to Australia just for a scan seems a bit extreme, no? We have top medical facilities in India. Hope this doesn't disrupt the team's momentum before the big Delhi clash.
S
Shreya B
The partnership with Priyansh Arya was fire! 🔥 It's great to see a young Indian batter learning from an overseas player. Connolly's impact goes beyond just runs. Get well soon!
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Vikram M
Being top of the table and unbeaten is fantastic, but player fitness is key. If he can't bowl, it weakens the balance. Let's trust the medical teams. Delhi Capitals won't be easy at their home ground.
M
Michael C
Standard procedure for Cricket Australia to manage their assets, especially with a young talent like Connolly. Good communication between the national board and the IPL franchise is crucial.

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