Listen to this article

As we head closer to the eagerly awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, a piece of peculiar news has come into the limelight, that too from the Punjab Kings’ dugout. The franchise has decided to make two big changes ahead of the forthcoming cricketing extravaganza. 

This move comes as part of the Kings’ broader overhaul of their coaching staff. Earlier this month, the franchise brought in Ricky Ponting as their new head coach, signaling a fresh direction for the team ahead of IPL 2025.

Punjab Kings sacks Sanjay Bangar and Trevor Bayliss ahead of 2025 mega auction

Punjab Kings have officially parted ways with Trevor Bayliss, their head coach, and Sanjay Bangar, the head of cricket development, ahead of the forthcoming season.

It is worth noting that Bayliss was appointed as Kings’ head coach following the IPL 2022 season, while Bangar joined the franchise in December 2023. Despite their efforts, the team has yet to secure an IPL title, finishing eighth in 2023 and slipping to ninth in the most recent season. The team has already onboarded former Australian captain Ponting for a four-year contract (2025-28).

What next for Punjab Kings?

With the departures of Bayliss and Bangar, Punjab are entering the IPL 2025 Mega Auction with a fresh outlook. Under Ponting’s guidance, the franchise will likely aim for more strategic signings, focusing on strengthening its core across all departments. Their poor finishes in the last two seasons highlight the need for impactful players, particularly reliable middle-order and quality death bowling options.

They might target experienced international stars to guide the younger talent, along with a balanced mix of Indian players. With a revamped coaching setup and a major auction ahead, this is a crucial moment for the Punjab-based franchise to rebuild and finally break their title drought.

Share this post!