Fact Check- Has Cooper Connolly Left Punjab Kings Midway In IPL 2026?

Cooper Connolly [Source: AP]

Punjab Kings have been phenomenal in the IPL 2026, cruising towards the playoffs with confidence. Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS have been unbeaten in the tournament so far, claiming the top spot in the IPL points table with five victories. 

Punjab Kings batters like Cooper Connolly, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have been prolific with the bat, with Shreyas Iyer steadily establishing himself as a reliable middle-order batter in the IPL.

Connolly has showcased remarkable consistency, amassing 223 runs across five innings at an average of 55.75 and a strike rate of 163.97.

While their bowling unit, comprising Arshdeep Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Yuzvendra Chahal and Vyshak Vijaykumar, has performed consistently, the Kings have benefited from their formidable top-order, which hasn't allowed their opponents any respite. 

Also Read: List Of All Records Broken By Priyansh Arya And Cooper Connolly For PBKS vs LSG

Amid his fireworks for PBKS, Cooper Connolly has grabbed the limelight for a shocking reason, with several social media handles claiming his departure to Australia in the middle of IPL 2026. 

Cooper Connolly's mysterious post sparks IPL 2026 break speculations

Promising Australian cricketer Cooper Connolly has been the backbone of Punjab Kings' batting unit alongside Prabhsimran, Priyansh Arya and skipper Shreyas Iyer. 

Ahead of his team's seventh group-stage match against Delhi Capitals, Connolly created a buzz among the fans regarding his availability for the Punjab-based franchise. 

Cooper Connolly's Instagram story

Taking to his official Instagram handle, Connolly posted a picture of North Beach, Perth. His social media activity made the PBKS fans wonder if he had left the team and departed for his homeland in the midst of IPL 2026.

Fact check- Has Cooper Connolly left the PBKS squad?

We can confirm that Cooper Connolly posted the picture of the North Beach on Wednesday, April 22. However, it remains to be verified whether it's a freshly clicked image or a throwback. 

Notably, Connolly sustained a back injury prior to the IPL. The fitness setback prevented him from bowling in the IPL 2026, as Cricket Australia asked him to play as a specialist batter in the tournament. 

So, it's also possible that he might actually have returned to Australia for a fitness test. Recently, SRH captain Pat Cummins travelled Down Under to undergo a fitness test conducted by Cricket Australia. 

If the PBKS management wants Cooper Connolly to chip in with left-arm spin, a fitness clearance from Cricket Australia is mandatory for the star allrounder to resume bowling in the IPL. 

So, although an official word has yet to be issued, it's a genuine possibility that Connolly might've returned to Australia to appear in the fitness test. 

When will Punjab Kings play next?

While Cooper Connolly's viral Instagram story has raised questions about his availability, the Punjab Kings are preparing to take on Axar Patel's Delhi Capitals in their next group-stage match. 

The IPL 2025 finalists have been sensational in the tournament. comfortably swatting aside their opponents. They are currently occupying the first position on the IPL 2026 points table, having won five of their first six matches. 

Under Shreyas Iyer's leadership, PBKS will take on DC in their next IPL match on Saturday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. 

Also Read: Riyan Parag's Poor Form Puts RR's Bounceback At Risk Against LSG