Punjab Kings (PBKS) seem to be following in Delhi Capitals (DC) footsteps. PBKS are unlikely to renew Australian coach Trevor Bayliss' contract ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. Bayliss' two-year contract has come to an end.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, like many franchises, PBKS are looking for an Indian coach. The decision comes after Indian coaches’ success in recent past. Apart from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) winning the trophy in IPL 2023, Indian head coaches have helped franchises win the title since the last mega auction.
In IPL 2022, Gujarat Titans (GT) in their debut season won the title with Ashish Nehra as their head coach and Vikram Solanki as Director of Cricket. In IPL 2024, the duo of mentor Gautam Gambhir and head coach Chandrakant Pandit helped Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) win the trophy after a decade.
Earlier this month, a decision was to be taken at the board meeting on July 22. However, the meeting did not take place. Earlier this month, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) who are yet to win IPL title like PBKS roped in recently retired Dinesh Karthik as their batting coach and mentor.
PBKS’ wait continues
While Bayliss' contract has not been renewed, the report says that there have been no captains about his coaching style. After he took over the role from Anil Kumble PBKS finished eighth and ninth in 2023 and 2024 respectively on the points table. Notably, PBKS have not qualified for the playoffs since 2014 and the wait continues.
Big changes expected before mega auction
PBKS are also expected to make a change in the leadership. Shikhar Dhawan who did not play the latter part of IPL 2024 of the seasons is unlikely to be retained as captain. PBKS are one of the teams which may not look to hold on to their core group even if the limit of retained players increases.
Ahead of mega auction, wholesale changes are to be expected. Former India head coach Rahul Dravid is likely to return to Rajasthan Royals (RR). Nehra-Solanki are reportedly leaving GT as well. Also, KKR are without a mentor since Gambhir took the top job as head coach of the Indian team.
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