The Punjab Kings franchise is set to part ways with their head coach Trevor Bayliss, marking the end of his two-year tenure ahead of the IPL 2025 season. Despite his extensive experience, Bayliss has been unable to lead the team to their first IPL title, a struggle that continues to haunt the franchise.
The upcoming IPL 2025 season is anticipated to be transformative, with a mega auction on the horizon that will see numerous players up for grabs. This shift has prompted several franchises to reconsider their coaching strategies. Following in the footsteps of teams like Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings are now in the market for a new head coach.
Delhi Capitals recently severed ties with Ricky Ponting, and Gujarat Titans parted ways with Ashish Nehra. Punjab Kings are now contemplating a similar move, with reports suggesting they are particularly interested in hiring an Indian head coach. The franchise believes that an Indian coach would bring invaluable insights into the local pitches and conditions.
Who will be Punjab Kings next head coach for IPL 2025?
Sanjay Bangar, a former Indian batting coach and the current director of cricket development for Punjab Kings, is a strong contender for the head coach position. Although a board meeting scheduled for July 22 to finalize this decision was postponed, Bangar remains a top choice.
Trevor Bayliss, 61, has had a distinguished career in the IPL, having previously coached Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He also enjoyed a successful stint with the England national team. However, under his leadership, Punjab Kings finished eighth and ninth in the last two IPL seasons. Despite the lack of complaints about his coaching style, the team’s management is keen on achieving better results.
The final decision on Bayliss’s future with Punjab Kings will be made after a comprehensive review of the team’s performance in IPL 2024. As the franchise looks ahead, the priority remains clear: to finally secure that elusive IPL trophy.
