Punjab Kings have suffered a setback ahead of the IPL 2027 season, with two key members of Ricky Ponting's coaching staff deciding to leave 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 have to rebuild parts of its coaching staff, with Ponting set to play a key role in deciding the replacements before the auction.
Punjab Kings finished fifth in the IPL 2026 points table after collecting 15 points from 14 matches. They recorded seven wins, six defeats and one no-result, with a net run rate of +0.309.
PBKS began their campaign with a three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans on March 31 before defeating Chennai Super Kings by five wickets in their next game. They then beat Mumbai Indians by seven wickets and followed it with a 54-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants.
Their first defeat came against 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 May 3.
Punjab Kings went through a difficult stretch in May, losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 33 runs, Delhi Capitals by 37 runs and Mumbai Indians by seven wickets. They also lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 8 wickets on May 17.
However, they ended the league stage strongly. PBKS beat Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets in their final match on May 23, finishing with 15 points. Their seven wins placed them fifth, behind RCB, Gujarat Titans, SRH and Rajasthan Royals.
Ricky Ponting's Punjab Kings suffer double blow as James Hopes and Brad Haddin
Punjab Kings will now have to find replacements for both James Hopes and Brad Haddin. Hopes worked as the franchise's fast-bowling coach, while Haddin was responsible for the fielding department.
As per Cricbuzz, two Australians have informed the franchise about their decisions recently, leaving PBKS searching for new members of the support staff. Both are reportedly set to take up opportunities in the Big Bash League.
Hopes had a close association with Ponting and joined Punjab Kings after previously 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 finding replacements will largely rest with Ponting. The franchise is expected to discuss potential candidates with the head coach before making final decisions, with the process likely to be completed before the IPL 2027 auction in December.
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PBKS also look for Sairaj Bahutule's replacement
The coaching changes at PBKS do not end with Hopes and Haddin. The franchise also needs to fill the position previously held by Sairaj Bahutule.
Bahutule left PBKS after IPL 2026 to join Gautam Gambhir's coaching staff with the Indian team as its spin-bowling coach. He had joined Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2026 after replacing Sunil Joshi, who moved into a spin-bowling role at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
PBKS therefore face the task of appointing at least three new coaches ahead of the next season. With the player retention process and auction preparations approaching, Ponting and the franchise management will have to move quickly to finalise their revamped support staff.
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