'Cooper Connolly went to Australia for scans': PBKS give major update on all-rounder's availability ahead of DC clash

Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly will be available for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals on Saturday, with spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule confirming the young all-rounder is fit and ready.

The 22-year-old had briefly travelled back to Australia for scans on his back, while Cricket Australia monitored his bowling fitness.

"Yes, he's very much available. He just went there and has come back. He's ready and raring to go,” Bahutule said on the eve of PBKS’ match against DC.

In his first IPL season, Connolly has played an important role in Punjab’s rise to the top of the table. He has scored 223 runs at a strike rate of 163.97, including innings of 72 not out and 87.

However, the spin-bowling all-rounder is yet to bowl in the tournament.

Punjab, last season’s runners-up, are currently at the top of the points table and have been one of the more consistent teams this season.

Bahutule, however, said there is still work to do with the new ball.

"When it comes to bowling, the new-ball phase has been decent, but that’s an area we need to improve. The middle and death overs have been fabulous for us," he said.

He also said the team has enough batting depth to handle difficult situations.

"Going forward, there will be situations where the batters might not get a start, but I think we are very well-equipped. There is depth in our batting,” he added.

Delhi Capitals will have to play out of their skins to get their stuttering campaign back on track when they face high-flying Punjab Kings in Delhi on Saturday.

It will be a daunting task for the struggling Delhi outfit -- smarting from a comprehensive 47-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad -- to stand up to a Punjab side that has been firing on all cylinders this season.