As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, the Punjab Kings are making significant changes to their leadership team. On September 18, Ricky Ponting was appointed as the head coach, leading to swift decisions regarding the previous coaching staff. In a surprising move, the franchise announced the dismissal of two seasoned professionals: Sanjay Bangar and Trevor Bayliss.
A New Direction for Punjab Kings
The decision to part ways with Bangar, the Director of Cricket Development, and Bayliss, the head coach, came during a board meeting attended by several co-owners. The Punjab Kings franchise has been under scrutiny due to its lackluster performance in recent IPL seasons. The team has failed to qualify for the playoffs for the last 10 years, with the previous two seasons particularly disappointing under Bayliss’s leadership. In IPL 2024, the Punjab Kings finished ninth on the points table, mirroring their position the year before.
Performance Issues Under Previous Coaches
Trevor Bayliss took over as head coach in 2022, replacing Anil Kumble, who had a running tenure from 2020 to 2022. Although Kumble’s coaching stint did not yield playoff success, the transition to Bayliss did not improve the teamโs fortune either. Before joining Punjab Kings, Sanjay Bangar held a position as the batting consultant for Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he had cultivated a close relationship with star player Virat Kohli. Bangar also had a previous head coach stint with Punjab from 2014 to 2016. Unfortunately, his return to the franchise in 2023 as Director of Cricket did not bring about the changes needed for a transformative season.
Punjab Kings’ Coaching History: A Quest for Stability
The Punjab Kings have undergone a total of seven coaching changes in the past decade, each hoping to unlock the team’s potential and achieve their first IPL trophy. The last time they qualified for the playoffs was in 2014, and since then, the franchise has been on a relentless quest for success. The coach roster over the years has included high-profile names such as
- Sanjay Bangar (2014-2016)
- Virender Sehwag (2017)
- Brad Hodge (2018)
- Mike Hesson (2019)
- Anil Kumble (2020-2022)
- Trevor Bayliss (2023-2024)
- Ricky Ponting (2025)
The Way Forward with Ricky Ponting
With Ricky Ponting now at the helm, expectations are high for the Punjab Kings. His extensive experience and successful track record in coaching can potentially guide the team towards better performances and, hopefully, a playoff berth in the upcoming season. For a team that has struggled to find consistency and success, Pontingโs leadership may be the fresh start needed to finally capture the elusive IPL trophy. Fans remain hopeful as the franchise prepares for the mega auction, anticipating strategic acquisitions that could reshape the team’s future.
