Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to make significant changes to their coaching staff ahead of the IPL 2027 season, following the resignations of key members Brad Haddin and James Hopes. The duo—who served as the team’s fielding and fast-bowling coaches, respectively—have stepped down to take up new coaching responsibilities in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).
James Hopes and Brad Haddin depart Punjab Kings coaching staff
Their departure marks a major shift for the coaching team led by Ricky Ponting. With Brad Haddin and Hopes gone, and following the earlier exit of spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, the franchise is now looking to fill three key specialist coaching roles. Head coach Ricky Ponting is expected to lead the process of selecting the right candidates ahead of the IPL 2027 auction and training camp.
In the context of the IPL, Punjab Kings have been one of the tournament’s standout teams in recent seasons. By bringing in Shreyas Iyer and adding other big names to their squad, they have established themselves as a top contender in the league.
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The franchise is now poised for major changes following a period of mixed results. Under the leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer and the guidance of Ponting, Punjab Kings made a spectacular comeback in IPL 2025, reaching the final and finishing as runners-up to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, their momentum stalled during the IPL 2026 season.
Despite a strong start marked by consecutive wins, their performance dipped mid-tournament; they slipped to fifth place on the points table and narrowly missed out on a playoff spot. Following major changes to the team’s coaching staff, it will be interesting to see how Punjab Kings perform in IPL 2027 and which players they add to their squad in the upcoming auction.
