Punjab Kings have confirmed three major changes to their coaching staff ahead of IPL 2027. Fast-bowling coach James Hopes, fielding coach Brad Haddin and spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule have all left the franchise.
The exits come after Punjab Kings finished fifth in IPL 2026. They collected 15 points and missed the playoffs by just one point. The team had reached the IPL 2025 final but lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Hopes has now taken up a major role in Australian domestic cricket. He has been appointed head coach of Queensland and the Brisbane Heat. Haddin will also return to Australian cricket after being named the new head coach of New South Wales.
Bahutule has received a new role with the Indian men’s team. He has been appointed as the spin-bowling coach in the national setup.
Punjab Kings face major backroom rebuild
Hopes had been Punjab Kings’ fast-bowling coach. He previously worked with Ricky Ponting at Delhi Capitals and has several years of IPL coaching experience.
His move to Queensland and Brisbane Heat will see him take charge of both a state team and a Big Bash League franchise.
Haddin joined Punjab Kings in 2022 as their fielding coach. He remained with the franchise through several coaching changes. He worked under Trevor Bayliss and later continued when Ponting became head coach ahead of IPL 2025.
His appointment as New South Wales head coach marks another important move into senior coaching for the former Australian wicketkeeper.
Bahutule’s departure is also significant. He worked as Punjab Kings’ spin-bowling coach during IPL 2026. He will now take up a similar specialist role with the Indian men’s team.
Punjab Kings must now find replacements for all three coaches before IPL 2027. The franchise will need a new fast-bowling coach, fielding coach and spin-bowling coach.
The changes come as Punjab Kings look to improve after narrowly missing the playoffs in 2026. The franchise will hope to build a stronger support team before the next IPL season.
