Trevor Bayliss and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are reportedly parting ways ahead of the IPL 2025 as the franchise wants to shake up its coaching setup. Bayliss’ two-year contract with Punjab Kings has come to an end and it is highly unlikely that it will be renewed.
Punjab Kings finished 8th and 9th out of 10 in the two IPL seasons under coach Trevor Bayliss. Reports have suggested that PBKS is now looking for an Indian as their new head coach.
It has been reported that Sanjay Bangar, their former head coach, is one of the several options PBKS is currently looking at as their next head coach. Bangar is currently PBKS director of cricket.
A decision was to be taken at the board meeting which was scheduled for July 22 but the meeting did not take place.
Bayliss has had three tenures as head coach with different franchises in IPL- Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. He also coached Sri Lanka and England in international cricket. Despite the rumors, the PBKS ownership group continues to maintain that no decision has been taken yet.
The report also stated that franchise insiders have no complaints about the Aussie's coaching style but acknowledge that, ultimately, results matter. Under his guidance, the team did not meet the franchise's expectations. Bayliss took over from Anil Kumble ahead of the 2023 season.
On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals and other franchises are pursuing Rahul Dravid, while eyes are also on Mark Boucher after MI’s embarrassing season in IPL 2024. The Ashish Nehra-Vikram Solanki combo is also walking on thin ice at Gujarat Titans.
However, the biggest hit franchise is the IPL 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders, who lost their entire coaching staff of Gautam Gambhir, Abhishek Nayar, and Ryan Ten Doeschate to the Indian team.
(Cricbuzz report)
