Punjab Kings in IPL 2025: Punjab Kings (PBKS) are preparing for major changes ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, having recently appointed Ricky Ponting as their head coach.
As part of this transformation, PBKS has made significant adjustments to their coaching staff, parting ways with Trevor Bayliss and Sanjay Bangar, ESPNcricinfo, reported. Bayliss served as the head coach since 2023, while Bangar held the position of Director of Cricket (DOC) for PBKS.
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Anil Kumble served as the head coach of Punjab Kings from 2020 to 2022. In 2022, Bayliss was introduced as Kumble's replacement for the head coach's role. Under Trevor Bayliss' leadership, Punjab Kings struggling to make a notable impact, finishing eighth in 2023 and ninth in 2024 season.
In December 2023, Sanjay Bangar joined PBKS as their Director of Cricket. Even before this, he has a history with the franchise, having served as head coach from 2014 to 2016 before becoming an assistant coach for the Indian cricket team.
With Punjab Kings still in pursuit of its first IPL trophy after 17 years, major changes were anticipated within the franchise ahead of IPL 2025.
Attention is on which players Punjab Kings (PBKS) will retain before IPL player auction for 2025 edition. Following Shikhar Dhawan's retirement, the team must also select a new captain.
IPL 2025 auction is particularly important for Punjab Kings, as their last successful playoff appearance was in the 2014 IPL season, and their team has struggled considerably since then.
Prior to IPL 2025 mega auction, BCCI may permit franchises to retain up to five players. In this case, Punjab Kings could choose to retain Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, and Sam Curran.
However, given that Sam Curran was purchased by Punjab for a hefty amount in IPL 2022 auction, the team might also contemplate releasing him.