IPL 2025: Punjab Kings finalize Ricky Ponting-led coaching staff with a new Aussie addition

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have finally finalized their support staff for the upcoming seasons ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction.

PBKS recently parted ways with Trevor Bayliss and Sanjay Bangar and brought in Ricky Ponting as their new head coach for four seasons. Notably, Ponting was removed from the role of head coach at Delhi Capitals after IPL 2024 and he instantly bagged a new job in the marquee league.

Punjab Kings Have Struggled In IPL

PBKS have been one of the most underperforming teams in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and they have never won a championship.

In 2014, Punjab Kings delivered their best-ever performance and reached the final. They were very close to lifting their first IPL trophy, but Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) didn't let that happen and PBKS lost the summit clash.

In other seasons, the Punjab-based franchise performed badly, which has led to them making a lot of changes to support staff and the leadership group.

Talking in detail about PBKS' journey, they reached the semi-finals in 2008, before finishing in 5th and 8th position in 2009 and 2010. From 2011 to 2013, they finished mid-table and after a successful 2014 season, PBKS once again faced a downfall, finishing 8th in 2015 and 2016.

Meanwhile, in the next few seasons, Punjab Kings finished from 5th to 8th positions before finishing 9th in the Indian Premier League 2024.

Brad Haddin, Sunil Joshi Present In Ricky Ponting's Coaching Staff

Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings have made the decision to retain Brad Haddin, Sunil Joshi, and Trevor Gonsalves in their coaching staff. Haddin and Gonsalves served as batting and fielding coaches, while Joshi has been the spin-bowling coach of the side.

With the arrival of Ricky Ponting, there will be a new addition of an Australian as James Hopes is likely to take over as the fast-bowling coach, reported PTI. Hopes had previously worked at Delhi Capitals with Ponting.

“Brad Haddin and Sunil have been retained. James Hopes is likely to be the fast bowling coach,” an IPL source told PTI.

Ricky Ponting Yet To Make Decision On Retentions

According to the same report, Ricky Ponting and the other Punjab Kings officials are yet to make a decision on the players they will be retaining ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025 mega auction.

"Ricky and his team will decide on the player retention soon,” added the source.

Notably, the deadline to submit the list of retained players is October 31 and reportedly, Arshdeep Singh, Shashank Singh, and Ashutosh Sharma are three players, who could be retained by the Punjab-based franchise.

Notably, Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma can be retained in the uncapped category as the duo have not represented India. Shashank was stunning with the bat in IPL 2024 as he smashed 354 in 14 matches at an average of 44.25 and a strike rate of 164.65. Sharma, on the other hand, slammed 189 runs at an average of 27.00 and a strike rate of 167.26 in 11 games.