(Source X)
Following in the footsteps of Ricky Ponting, the two-time ODI World Cup-winning captain, another Australian coach, Trevor Bayliss, is likely to step down from his coaching role in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Bayliss, who currently serves as the head coach of the Punjab Kings (PBKS), might depart from the franchise based in Mohali before the start of the IPL 2025 season.
Punjab Kings failed to qualify for the playoffs in the recent T20 tournament, finishing in the ninth position out of ten teams in the points table. The franchise managed only six wins and suffered nine losses throughout the tournament. The PBKS team last reached the playoffs in 2014.
Trevor Bayliss to part ways with Punjab Kings.
Trevor Bayliss, who had been coaching Preity Zinta’s Punjab Kings for the past two years, has reached the end of his contract with the franchise. Recent reports suggest that the team is unlikely to renew Bayliss’ contract for the upcoming T20 tournament.
According to a report from Cricbuzz, Punjab Kings are actively seeking an Indian coach for the IPL 2025 season. Among the candidates being considered is Sanjay Bangar, who has previously served as the franchise’s head coach and currently holds the position of director of cricket development.
A board meeting for Punjab Kings was slated for July 22 to discuss the head coach position. However, the meeting did not take place as the franchise is exploring various options before the mega-auction later this year.
“According to sources, PBKS are on the lookout for an Indian coach to guide the team. Whether they will ultimately choose an Indian coach remains to be seen, but they are believed to be considering several options, with one of them being Sanjay Bangar, who could be among the potential candidates. A decision was to be taken at the board meeting which was scheduled for July 22 but the meeting did not take place. The franchise is believed to have broadened its search ahead of the mega-auction later this year,” a report by Cricbuzz said.
The report mentioned that Trevor Bayliss’s coaching style has not been a point of contention for the franchise. However, they expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance over the last two seasons. Despite having a strong squad, the Punjab team’s finishing position was disappointing. Bayliss took over from the legendary spinner Anil Kumble ahead of the 2023 season.
Indian coaches continue to be highly sought after in the IPL. Gautam Gambhir and Chandrakant Pandit guided the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the recent season, while Ashish Nehra led the Gujarat Titans (GT) to the title in 2022. Dinesh Karthik has joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as the batting coach for the upcoming season.
Trevor Bayliss has previously coached teams like Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Punjab Kings. The 61-year-old also has experience coaching the England cricket team. However, his recent T20 coaching record with various teams has been below expectations. The PBKS management will conduct a thorough review of last season’s performance before finalizing any decisions.
Rahul Dravid has been attracting interest from several IPL franchises. Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds the futures of Ashish Nehra and Vikram Solanki with the Gujarat Titans (GT). The Kolkata Knight Riders are expected to announce new coaching appointments following the departure of Gautam Gambhir, Abhishek Nayar, and Ryan ten Doeschate to roles within the Indian team.
