IPL 2025: Ricky Ponting finalizes Punjab Kings coaching staff ahead of mega auction

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are reportedly retaining most of their support staff after appointing former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting as their new head coach. Spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi, batting and fielding coach Brad Haddin will be retained, and James Hopes might join the franchise for the IPL 2025.

Punjab Kings have replaced Trevor Bayliss with Ricky Ponting as their new head coach. Ponting signed a four-year contract with the franchise. Ponting, who previously coached Delhi Capitals (DC) for seven seasons, is eager to take on the challenge of leading the Punjab franchise to their first-ever IPL title.

James Hopes Rejects Delhi Capitals Offer To Join Punjab Kings

James Hopes played for the Punjab Kings during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. The former Australia cricketer might join the coaching staff, led by Ricky Ponting. According to Cricbuzz, Hopes was offered a contract extension by the Delhi Capitals, but he decided to work with Ponting for Punjab.

"It's learnt that the 46-year-old was offered an extension by Delhi Capitals after Ponting's contract with the team was not renewed. However, Hopes, who represented his country in 84 ODIs and 12 T20Is, chose to continue working alongside his former captain Ponting," a report by Cricbuzz said.

The inclusion of Hopes to the Punjab Kings coaching staff indicates the exit of former South African cricketer Charl Langeveldt, who was the fast-bowling coach during the 2023 and 2024 seasons under Trevor Bayliss. Langeveldt had served as the franchise's bowling coach in the IPL 2020 season as well.

Brad Haddin, Sunil Joshi Retained By Punjab Kings Coaching Staff

The report added that Ponting decided to retain Brad Haddin on the coaching staff. Haddin has been an assistant coach for the team in recent years, after being brought in by former head coach Trevor Bayliss. The former wicketkeeper had also worked with Bayliss at the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) as well.

Ponting has decided to retain Sunil Joshi, who has been the spin bowling coach for the Punjab Kings for the past two seasons. However, the Punjab-based franchise has parted ways with Sanjay Bangar, who was hired as the head of cricket development last year under a three-year contract that was cut short.

Ricky Ponting To Finalize The Player Retention List For The IPL 2025

Ricky Ponting's first assignment as the new head coach will be to finalize the player retention list for the IPL. The Punjab Kings franchise would enter the auction with a higher budget, as usual. There is some discussion regarding left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh worth Rs 18 crore for retention.

The Punjab team management could use a Right to Match (RTM) card to acquire him at a lower price. Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma, both of whom had strong performances last season, could be retained as uncapped players for INR 4 crore each.

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