Punjab Kings Retain Support Staff, James Hopes Set to Join as Fast Bowling Coach
Punjab Kings, under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Ricky Ponting, have decided to retain the majority of their support staff for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. The only anticipated addition is fast bowling coach James Hopes, who previously worked with Ponting at Delhi Capitals.
Ponting, who signed a four-year contract, aims to transform the team’s fortunes. Punjab has yet to win an IPL title, with their only final appearance coming in 2014. They have struggled in recent years, failing to finish in the top five for the past seven seasons and placing ninth out of 10 teams in 2023.
Despite the team’s struggles, Ponting has retained spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi, batting and fielding coach Brad Haddin, and Trevor Gonsalves, who were all part of Trevor Bayliss’ coaching staff. Bayliss and Sanjay Bangar, the former head coach and head of cricket development, respectively, have departed.
“Brad Haddin and Sunil have been retained. James Hopes is likely to be the fast bowling coach,” an IPL source revealed.
Ponting has yet to determine the number of players to retain ahead of the mega auction, with the deadline set for October 31. However, lead pacer Arshdeep Singh, who has been with the team for six seasons, is expected to be retained. Uncapped player Shashank Singh, who impressed last season, could also be retained.
“Ricky and his team will decide on the player retention soon,” the source added.
Punjab, who were led by Shikhar Dhawan for the past two seasons, will be looking to appoint a new captain, likely through the auction process.
