IPL side Punjab Kings (PBKS) had a disastrous campaign in the 2024 IPL season with the Punjab side finishing second from the bottom of the table, just above Mumbai Indians (MI).
PBKS also set an unwanted record, becoming the only team to not qualify for a single play-off for 10 consecutive years. PBKS had last reached the playoffs back in 2014, wherein they lost to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a thrilling final. Fast forward to a decade later, KKR won their third IPL title while PBKS have continued to struggle.
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Looking at the recent run of form, PBKS are unlikely to renew Australian coach Trevor Bayliss’ contract for the 2025 season. Bayliss signed a two-year contract with the Punjab side back in 2022. However, three poor seasons on the trot, with bottom-half finishes in the table isn’t what 2014 finalists were looking forward to.
Although there is no confirmation on the news, PBKS have been reported to have a meeting with the 61-year-old to evaluate the recently concluded season’s analysis before making a final call.
| Season | M | W | L | NR/tie | Table Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0/0 | 6th |
| 2023 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 0/0 | 8th |
| 2024 | 14 | 5 | 9 | 0/0 | 9th |
With Bayliss nearer to an exit than stay, PBKS seem to be keen on signing an Indian coach for the upcoming season. With VVS Laxman set to join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Rahul Dravid headed back to Rajasthan Royals (RR), there aren’t many options left to explore for the Punjab side.
READ MORE: What is Rahul Dravid's record as a mentor in the IPL?
Who could replace Bayliss at PBKS?
The current leading candidate to replace Bayliss at PBKS is the current Head of Cricket Development at the Punjab Kings, Sanjay Bangar. Bangar’s prior experiences in coaching in the IPL and with PBKS themselves make him an ideal candidate to take over the reins from Bayliss.
Bangar last coached PBKS back in 2014, when they were known as Kings XI Punjab, leading them to their best-ever finish by reaching the final against KKR.
Bangar last coached in the IPL in 2022, playing a monumental role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) run to the Qualifier 2 round of the playoffs, their best finish since 2016.
Apart from Bangar, another potential candidate could be current Gujarat Titans coach, Ashish Nehra. Nehra has been rumoured of parting ways with GT, opening doors to an opportunity at PBKS.
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