As preparations ramp up for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) have solidified their coaching staff, headlined by the appointment of Ricky Ponting as head coach for four seasons.
Ponting, who was removed from his position with Delhi Capitals after IPL 2024, quickly found a new role with PBKS. The team is aiming for a turnaround, having parted ways with former coaches Trevor Bayliss and Sanjay Bangar. Ponting’s extensive experience and leadership could be the change PBKS needs, as they look to improve on their dismal track record in the IPL.
PBKS’ Struggles in the IPL
Punjab Kings have been one of the most inconsistent teams in the history of the IPL, having never won a championship. Their closest attempt came in 2014 when they reached the final but were defeated by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). PBKS’ performance in other seasons has been lacklustre, leading to frequent changes in their support staff and leadership structure.
Since their semi-final appearance in 2008, the team has regularly found themselves in the middle or bottom of the table. They finished 9th in IPL 2024, which prompted another major overhaul ahead of the 2025 season, including their coaching staff.
Key Coaching Additions and Retentions
Under Ricky Ponting’s leadership, PBKS retained Brad Haddin, Sunil Joshi, and Trevor Gonsalves. Haddin will continue as the batting coach, Joshi as the spin-bowling coach, and Gonsalves as the fielding coach. Additionally, the team is expected to bring in former Australian cricketer James Hopes as the fast-bowling coach, reuniting him with Ponting, whom he worked alongside at Delhi Capitals.
These changes aim to create a cohesive and experienced support system to guide PBKS through the upcoming seasons. As for player retentions, Ponting and the PBKS management have yet to finalize their decisions ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Key players like Arshdeep Singh, Shashank Singh, and Ashutosh Sharma are strong candidates to be retained, with Shashank and Ashutosh likely to be retained under the uncapped category due to their impressive performances in IPL 2024. With these developments, PBKS is hoping to build a competitive team to finally claim their first IPL title.
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