Punjab Kings Eye Indian Head Coach For Upcoming IPL 2025 Season

Punjab Kings has reportedly chosen not to renew Trevor Bayliss's contract as head coach. The franchise is looking to appoint an Indian coach ahead of the IPL 2025 season.

Bayliss, who replaced Anil Kumble before the IPL 2022 Mega Auction, signed a two-year contract. However, the Australian coach will leave the IPL after his contract ends in September.

According to CricBuzz, PBKS aims to replace Bayliss with an Indian coach. This decision follows the recent successes of Indian coaches like Rahul Dravid, Gautam Gambhir, Chandrakant Pandit, and Ashish Nehra.

Sanjay Bangar, who joined PBKS as director of cricket last year, is a top candidate for the head coach role. Bangar previously served as head coach from 2014 to 2016.

Former PBKS captain Yuvraj Singh might also be approached for a role. However, no final decision has been made by the ownership group yet.

Dravid is another name under consideration but is reportedly close to joining Rajasthan Royals. Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders are also searching for new coaching staff.

Royal Challengers Bangalore recently appointed Dinesh Karthik as batting coach. VVS Laxman might take up a role at Lucknow Super Giants. Various franchises are expected to make significant coaching changes.

Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans

Mumbai Indians may replace Mark Boucher after their worst-ever finish in IPL history this year. Gujarat Titans are also likely to part ways with Ashish Nehra and Vikram Solanki.

Kolkata Knight Riders, the defending champions, need to add several members to their coaching staff. Mentor Gautam Gambhir and assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate have taken roles with the Indian cricket team.

Punjab Kings' Challenges

Punjab Kings face challenges in finding an external candidate as other teams seek similar profiles. This makes Bangar a strong contender for the head coach position ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction.

The franchise surprised many with their retentions last year and is set for another major overhaul. Only two or three players are likely to be retained; Arshdeep Singh, Shashank Singh, and Jitesh Sharma are potential retention options before the mega auction.

Leadership Changes

Shikhar Dhawan, who led PBKS for three seasons, is expected to be released along with Sam Curran, their most expensive player. The franchise plans a major rebuild and wants the new head coach involved in these plans for next season.

A decision on the new head coach was supposed to be made at a board meeting on July 22 but did not occur. PBKS has broadened its search ahead of the mega-auction scheduled later this year or early 2025.