Ricky Ponting is expected to return as head coach in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The former Australia captain had worked with the Delhi Capitals ever since they rebranded themselves but was axed by the franchise in July following three poor seasons (5th in 2022, 9th in 2023 and 6th in 2024).
“So it is what it is; we’ve decided to part ways and we decided to move on, but that doesn’t mean that I won’t be coaching again. I’m very keen to get back involved in the IPL. There might be a few opportunities coming up, and we’ll see what happens over the next few weeks,” Ponting had said, expressing his willingness to continue working in the IPL.
It just so happens that the Punjab Kings are looking for a coach. According to ESPNcricinfo, Ponting has signed a deal with PBKS for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Punjab aren’t looking to extend their current head coach Trevor Bayliss’ contract as their head coach. After ending 8th and 9th on the points table in IPL 2023 and 2024, respectively, PBKS wants to change one Australian head coach for another.
Tumultuous times
Punjab Kings were reportedly looking to hire an Indian commander-in-chief and Sanjay Bangar, their current director of cricket, was thought of as the frontrunner. Banger had already served as their head coach in the past and could have been a perfect fit. However, the management has decided to get Ponting.
Punjab Kings haven’t reached the playoffs since the IPL 2014 seasons and have changed six head coaches in 8 seasons (Virender Sehwag in 2017, Brad Hodge in 2018, Mike Hesson in 2019, Anil Kumble in 2021-2022, Trevor Bayliss in 2023-2024 and Ricky Ponting in 2025).
Punjab Kings confirm Ponting’s appointment
Punjab Kings had hinted at the appointment in a social media post but haven’t made it official yet. The post had four images. The first was of the ICC Cricket World Cup trophy, the second of his Kookaburra bat, the third of the famous conspiracy in which he played a spring in his bat, and the fourth indicated his famous pull shot. A few hours later, they confirmed it.
Punjab Kings IPL 2024: Administration & Support Staff
Head coach: Trevor Bayliss
Assistant Coach: Brad Haddin
Batting Coach: Wasim Jaffer
Head of Development/Director of Cricket: Sanjay Bangar
Fast Bowling coach: Charl Langeveldt
Spin Bowling Coach: Sunil Joshi
Fielding Coach: Trevor Gonsalves
