Punjab Kings Part Ways with Bayliss and Bangar

Punjab Kings have parted company with Trevor Bayliss, their head coach, and Sanjay Bangar, head of cricket development, ahead of IPL 2024. The franchise board, which includes the four co-owners, recently made the decision.

This move is part of a broader revamp of the Kings' coaching setup. Earlier this month, the team announced Ricky Ponting as their new head coach.

Bayliss had joined Punjab Kings after IPL 2022, while Bangar returned to the franchise in December 2023. Despite their efforts, the team has struggled, finishing eighth in 2023 and ninth last season, continuing their search for their first IPL title. Interestingly, this was Bangar's second stint with the Kings, having served as their head coach from 2014 to 2016 before moving on to be India's assistant coach. He later joined Royal Challengers Bangalore as a batting consultant and was promoted to head coach before rejoining Punjab Kings.

Bayliss had taken over from former India captain Anil Kumble, who coached the franchise from 2020 to 2022. Over the past decade, Punjab Kings have frequently changed coaches in pursuit of success, with Kumble being the fifth head coach in five seasons following Sanjay Bangar (2014-16), Virender Sehwag (2017), Brad Hodge (2018), and Mike Hesson (2019).

The recent signing of former Australian captain Ricky Ponting on a four-year contract (2025-28) is seen as a pivotal move for the franchise. In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Ponting shared his vision for the team, emphasising a fresh approach. He stated, "The main thing I want to change at Punjab Kings is to make sure everyone knows it's going to be different. We’re not going to settle for mediocrity, finishing at the bottom, and letting others talk about the franchise in that way. It's going to be dynamic, and people will start viewing this team and the franchise in a completely new light."