Punjab Kings have suffered a setback ahead of the IPL 2027 season, with two key members of Ricky Ponting’s coaching workers deciding to depart the franchise.
James Hopes and Brad Haddin have reportedly stepped down from their respective roles after working alongside Ponting at PBKS. The franchise will now should rebuild parts of its coaching workers, with Ponting set to play a key role in deciding the replacements before the auction.
How was Punjab Kings’ efficiency in IPL 2026
Punjab Kings finished fifth in the IPL 2026 factors table after accumulating 15 factors from 14 matches. They recorded seven wins, six defeats and one no-result, with a internet run fee of +0.309.
PBKS started their campaign with a three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans on March 31 before defeating Chennai Tremendous Kings by five wickets of their next sport. They then beat Mumbai Indians by seven wickets and adopted it with a 54-run victory over Lucknow Tremendous Giants.
Their first defeat came towards Delhi Capitals on April 25, when DC won by six wickets. Rajasthan Royals then defeated them by six wickets before Gujarat Titans handed PBKS another defeat on Might 3.
Punjab Kings went by way of a difficult stretch in Might, losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 33 runs, Delhi Capitals by 37 runs and Mumbai Indians by seven wickets. In addition they lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 8 wickets on Might 17.
Nonetheless, they ended the league stage strongly. PBKS beat Lucknow Tremendous Giants by seven wickets of their remaining match on Might 23, finishing with 15 factors. Their seven wins positioned them fifth, behind RCB, Gujarat Titans, SRH and Rajasthan Royals.
Ricky Ponting’s Punjab Kings endure double blow as James Hopes and Brad Haddin
Punjab Kings will now have to search out replacements for both James Hopes and Brad Haddin. Hopes worked as the franchise’s fast-bowling coach, whereas Haddin was responsible for the fielding division.
As per Cricbuzz, two Australians have knowledgeable the franchise about their choices lately, leaving PBKS trying to find new members of the assist workers. Both are reportedly set to take up opportunities in the Massive Bash League.
Hopes had a close affiliation with Ponting and joined Punjab Kings after beforehand working with him at Delhi Capitals. Haddin, meanwhile, was already part of the setup before Ponting’s arrival, having been appointed during Trevor Bayliss’ tenure.
The responsibility for locating replacements will largely rest with Ponting. The franchise is predicted to discuss potential candidates with the head coach before making remaining choices, with the process likely to be completed before the IPL 2027 auction in December.
PBKS additionally look for Sairaj Bahutule’s substitute
The coaching modifications at PBKS don’t end with Hopes and Haddin. The franchise additionally needs to fill the position beforehand held by Sairaj Bahutule.
Bahutule left PBKS after IPL 2026 to affix Gautam Gambhir’s coaching workers with the Indian group as its spin-bowling coach. He had joined Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2026 after changing Sunil Joshi, who moved right into a spin-bowling role at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
PBKS subsequently face the task of appointing at the very least three new coaches ahead of the following season. With the player retention course of and auction preparations approaching, Ponting and the franchise management should transfer quickly to finalise their revamped assist workers.
Source: cricketaddictor.com
