Wasim Jaffer Set to Become Punjab Kings’ New Head Coach
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer is set to take over as the head coach of Punjab Kings, succeeding Trevor Bayliss, whose two-year contract with the team has concluded. This appointment marks Jaffer’s return to the Mohali-based franchise ahead of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Jaffer’s association with Punjab Kings is not new. This will be his third stint with the franchise, having previously served as the batting coach from 2019 to 2021 before stepping down ahead of the IPL 2022 auction. Prior to his new role, he was released from his position as batting consultant before the IPL 2024 season. Jaffer, who played 31 Tests for India, faces a challenging task as the head coach of Punjab Kings. The team, one of the eight founding members of the IPL, has not reached the playoffs for ten consecutive seasons since their only appearance in the IPL final in 2014. In the IPL 2024, Punjab Kings finished ninth on the points table, securing only five wins. Despite recording the highest successful run chase in T20 cricket by chasing down 262 at Eden Gardens against Kolkata Knight Riders and defeating five-time champions Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk, the team struggled to maintain consistent performance. The injury to captain Shikhar Dhawan significantly impacted the team’s performance. It remains to be seen if the franchise will continue with Dhawan, who will turn 39 later this year.