Punjab Kings are going to appoint a new head coach for the next edition of the IPL in search of their maiden Indian Premier League title. According to a report, former batter of team India Wasim Jaffer is set to take up the role, succeeding Trevor Bayliss, whose two-year contract ended. This will be Jaffer's third stint with the Punjab Kings, having been released as the batting consultant by the franchise ahead of this year’s IPL.
The 46-year-old, who played 31 Tests and 2 ODIs for India, was the batting coach of PBKS between 2019-2021 but stepped down from his role before the IPL 2022 auction.
Since 2014, PBKS have not made it to the playoffs. They blew hot and cold during the entire IPL 2024 earlier this year, finishing ninth in the points table. Punjab Kings is also one of the four franchises that have yet to win an IPL title.
They recorded the highest successful run-chase in T20 cricket earlier this year, chasing down 262 at the Eden Gardens to beat Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets.