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In a big development, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) have decided to retain majority of their coaching staff ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. According to several media reports, citing the Times of India (TOI) have reported that the Punjab Kings will retain majority of their support staff after the arrival of Ricky Ponting.
It is to be noted that Ponting was appointed the Head Coach of the Punjab Kings in September after he parted ways with his former franchise, Delhi Capitals (DC) in July after the conclusion of IPL 2024. With him joining the Punjab-based franchise, he is set to continue with majority of the coaching staff, including spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi, batting and fielding coach Brad Haddin and Trevor Gonsalves.
James Hopes likely to join Punjab Kings as fast bowling coach
Ponting is likely to have his fellow Aussie, James Hopes in the Punjab Kings. A source close to the developments told PTI, as quoted by TOI, “Brad Haddin and Sunil have been retained. James Hopes is likely to be the fast bowling coach.” Trevor Bayliss, who was the head coach last season and Sanjay Bangar, the Head of Cricket Development at Punjab Kings, have been out of the coaching setup.
Ricky Ponting to decide on player retentions at PBKS
With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) putting up October 31 as the deadline for the franchises to submit the player retention list, the Australian great along with the members of the franchise are yet to decide on the players to be retained ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. “Ricky and his team will decide on the player retention soon,” the source added.
According to several media reports, the franchise is set to retain Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh, whereas in the uncapped category, they are looking to secure the services of Shashank Singh, who had a good campaign in IPL 2024.
