Ricky Ponting has taken a significant step in assembling his support staff at Punjab Kings (PBKS) by bringing on board James Hopes, the former Australian allrounder who previously collaborated with him at Delhi Capitals. Hopes was also part of the franchise during the inaugural IPL season in 2008 as a player.
Reports indicate that the 46-year-old was offered an extension by Delhi Capitals after Ponting’s contract wasn’t renewed. However, Hopes, who has played 84 ODIs and 12 T20Is for Australia, opted to continue working with his former captain Ponting, who has signed a four-year deal with Punjab Kings.
Hopes’ appointment means Charl Langeveldt, the former South African fast-bowling coach who worked under Trevor Bayliss during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, will be leaving. Langeveldt also served as the bowling coach during the 2020 season.
Ponting has decided to keep Brad Haddin as an assistant coach for Punjab Kings, a role Haddin has held for the past few years. Originally recruited by Trevor Bayliss, Haddin has also worked with him at SunRisers Hyderabad and will continue as the franchise’s batting and wicket-keeping coach.
Additionally, Ponting has retained Sunil Joshi, a former India spinner and chief selector, who has served as the spin bowling coach for the last few seasons.
The franchise has ended its association with Sanjay Bangar
The franchise has parted ways with Sanjay Bangar, who was appointed as head of cricket development last year. Although he had a three-year contract, it was terminated early. Other coaching staff members, including Adrian le Roux (S&C coach) and Andrew Leipus (physio), have been retained.
Ponting’s first major task will be to finalize the list of players for retention. Reports suggest that the franchise will enter the auction with the highest available budget, as usual. There’s discussion within the team about whether left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is worth the proposed INR 18 crore for one retention.
The consensus is that he might be secured at a lower cost using a Right to Match (RTM) card. Other players under consideration include Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma, who both had breakout seasons last year and could be retained as uncapped players for INR 4 crore each.
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