Punjab Kings Likely to Part Ways with Trevor Bayliss: Eyeing Indian Coach for IPL 2025
Punjab Kings (PBKS) are reportedly considering a coaching change ahead of the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The franchise is unlikely to renew the contract of their current head coach, Trevor Bayliss, and is actively exploring options for an Indian coach to take over the reins. Bayliss, who took over from Anil Kumble in 2023, has completed his two-year tenure with the team.
Bayliss’ Tenure and the Shift Towards Indian Coaches
Trevor Bayliss, a seasoned coach with stints at Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and PBKS, also led the England national team to significant success, including their 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup win. However, his recent performances in T20 leagues, including the IPL, have been underwhelming. Under his leadership, PBKS finished eighth and ninth in the last two IPL seasons, falling short of the franchise’s expectations despite a talented squad.
The franchise’s decision to seek an Indian coach aligns with a growing trend in the IPL. Indian coaches have been increasingly successful, with Rahul Dravid’s impactful role with the Indian national team, Gautam Gambhir and Chandrakant Pandit’s contribution to Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning campaign, and Ashish Nehra’s success with Gujarat Titans being prime examples. This shift reflects the rising demand for Indian coaches in the league.
Potential Candidates and Franchise Decisions
While PBKS has not made a final decision yet, Sanjay Bangar, a former head coach of the franchise and currently the director of cricket development, is among the potential candidates. The franchise is also considering other Indian coaches, emphasizing the need for a fresh approach to improve the team’s performance.
The franchise was expected to discuss the coaching change at a board meeting scheduled for July 22, but the meeting did not take place. Nevertheless, PBKS insiders indicate that the search for a new coach is a priority, especially with the mega-auction later this year. The ownership group has maintained that no official decision has been made yet, pending a review of the team’s performance under Bayliss.
Broader Implications in the IPL
This potential change in PBKS’s coaching staff is part of a broader trend within the IPL, where franchises are reassessing their coaching setups. Rahul Dravid has been approached by multiple franchises, and there is speculation about Mark Boucher’s future with Mumbai Indians. The Ashish Nehra-Vikram Solanki duo at Gujarat Titans is also under scrutiny, while Kolkata Knight Riders are in the midst of significant changes following departures from their coaching staff to the Indian national team.
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