![Punjab Kings [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1777047944926_PunjabKings.jpg?type=hq)
Punjab Kings [Source: AFP]
Cooper Connolly has re-joined the Punjab Kings franchise in India for the ongoing IPL 2026 season. Earlier this week, the batting all-rounder left the franchise midway into the tournament to fly back to Australia.
It is worth noting that Connolly reportedly underwent a mandatory fitness test back home, as conducted by Cricket Australia. On Friday, April 24, the 22-year-old was spotted training in the nets alongside the rest of his Punjab Kings teammates as the franchise prepares itself for the match against the Delhi Capitals.
Cooper Connolly returns to Punjab Kings squad for IPL 2026
Cooper Connolly has returned to India and joined the Punjab Kings franchise for the remainder of the IPL 2026 season. In an explosive social media post, the cricketer can be seen training in the nets just a day prior to Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 match against the Delhi Capitals in Delhi.
Fortunately for both Connolly and the Punjab Kings, the young Australian all-rounder did not miss a single game for his franchise this season.
Also Read- Preity Zinta Ness Wadia Relationship, Breakup, Punjab Kings Ownership, And Feud
The cricketer apparently took flight back for Australia shortly after Punjab Kings’ previous match against the LSG on April 19 in New Chandigarh. The 22-year-old has now re-joined the franchise just in time for their next game against the Delhi Capitals on Saturday, April 25.
Lockie Ferguson joins Punjab Kings for remainder of season
Another overseas star from Oceania, Lockie Ferguson, has returned to the Punjab Kings squad for the remainder of the IPL 2026 season. Unlike Cooper Connolly, Ferguson has not played a single match for his franchise so far owing to international and personal commitments.
The senior fast bowler recently played New Zealand’s home T20I series against South Africa. Following the series, the 34-year-old took some time off the field to be with his wife as they recently welcomed a baby boy in their lives.
Punjab Kings, unbeaten and at full-strength
Punjab Kings remain the only franchise to remain unbeaten in the ongoing IPL 2026 season so far. Moreover, with the returns of Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly and New Zealand paceman Lockie Ferguson, the squad appears further reinforced with added depth and balance.
With five wins and a no-result from six matches, the Shreyas Iyer-led side is fittingly placed at the top of the 10-team IPL 2026 points table. Additionally, their NRR currently reads a formidable 1.420, the best among all sides this season by a landslide.
The team will now take on Delhi Capitals in match number 35 of the tournament. The much-awaited Northern face-off will be hosted by the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday, April 25, and the action will commence from 3:30 PM IST onwards.
Another win for the Punjab Kings at this stage of the competition will take them a step closer in securing a place in the playoffs.
For the Capitals, the match marks a must-win before heading into the second half of the league stage.
Also Read- RCB Player Injured In IPL 2026 Match Vs GT, Walks Off The Field In Pain
