James Hopes, Brad Haddin leave Punjab Kings
Major coaching shake-up at Punjab Kings as James Hopes and Brad Haddin step down, leaving Ricky Ponting with critical vacancies.
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) coaching setup has undergone a massive transformation following the departure of two key members of their support staff. James Hopes and Brad Haddin have stepped down from their respective positions as fast-bowling coach and fielding coach, leaving a significant void in the team's technical department.
Major Coaching Exodus
The exits of Hopes and Haddin were widely anticipated within the cricketing fraternity. Both professionals have moved on to prestigious leadership roles in Australia:
- James Hopes: Recently appointed as the head coach of both Queensland and the Brisbane Heat.
- Brad Haddin: Has taken charge as the head coach of New South Wales.
These departures come at a challenging time for PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting, who must now navigate the recruitment process to fill these vital vacancies. The coaching staff has been further depleted by the exit of Sairaj Bahutule, the team's spin-bowling coach, who has transitioned to a role with the Indian men’s national team.
A Season of Two Halves
The coaching overhaul follows a rollercoaster IPL 2026 campaign for the franchise. Under the leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, Punjab Kings initially appeared to be the most dominant force in the tournament.
The team enjoyed a dream start, winning their opening six matches consecutively and maintaining a record-breaking unbeaten streak of seven matches. For nearly a month, PBKS sat comfortably at the summit of the points table with 13 points, making them the clear favorites after their runner-up finish in 2025.
The Mid-Season Collapse
However, the momentum shifted dramatically during the second half of the season. A series of tactical errors involving both batting and bowling, coupled with costly fielding lapses and dropped catches, saw the team's form plummet. PBKS suffered six consecutive demoralizing defeats, which ultimately derailed their championship aspirations.
Despite a late victory against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the team finished the season with 15 points. This proved insufficient to secure a place in the playoffs. In a heartbreaking conclusion to their campaign, Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured the final playoff spot with 16 points after defeating the Mumbai Indians (MI), leaving Punjab Kings to finish in fifth place, just one point shy of the postseason.