Punjab Kings (PBKS) have retained Brad Haddin and Sunil Joshi as part of their coaching staff, while Ricky Ponting, the franchise’s newly appointed head coach, is expected to bring in former Australian all-rounder James Hopes to strengthen the support staff. Hopes, who previously worked with Ponting at Delhi Capitals, has opted to join PBKS after his former team did not renew his contract.
The 46-year-old Hopes, who also played for PBKS during the inaugural IPL season in 2008, is set to take over the role of fast-bowling coach, replacing Charl Langeveldt, who served in the position for the past two seasons. Hopes’ appointment further solidifies Ponting’s influence as he continues to form his support staff for the upcoming IPL seasons.
Brad Haddin, who has served as the team’s assistant coach focusing on batting and wicket-keeping for the past few years, has been retained. Initially brought in by Trevor Bayliss, Haddin has previously worked alongside the Australian coach at SunRisers Hyderabad.
Ponting has also opted to retain Sunil Joshi, the former India spinner and chief selector, who has been with the franchise as a spin bowling coach for the past two seasons. However, the franchise has parted ways with Sanjay Bangar, who had been head of cricket development. Other key support staff members, including Adrian le Roux (Strength & Conditioning coach) and Andrew Leipus (physio), have been retained.
Ponting’s immediate priority will be to finalize the list of player retentions ahead of the IPL auction. PBKS, as usual, are expected to enter the auction with the highest available purse. There is ongoing debate within the franchise about retaining Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm Indian pacer, for INR 18 crore, with a possible Right to Match (RTM) card being considered as a more cost-effective option. The franchise is also discussing the potential retention of breakout players Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma as uncapped players for INR 4 crore each.