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The Punjab Kings (PBKS) endured a disappointing Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) season, finishing 9th and missing the playoffs for the 10th consecutive year. In a bid to reverse their fortunes and capitalize on the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, the franchise is set to make significant changes.
Wasim Jaffer to take over in the IPL 2025
Trevor Bayliss‘s tenure as head coach ended with the conclusion of the 2024 season, having failed to lead PBKS into the playoffs during his two-year stint. According to the Indian Express report, the franchise could turn to former India batter Wasim Jaffer to fill the head coach role. Jaffer, who has previously served as the batting coach for PBKS during the 2019-21 seasons and as a batting consultant in 2023, is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the team.
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Jaffer’s previous stints and experience
Jaffer’s experience with PBKS includes stepping down voluntarily before the 2022 mega auction and being released ahead of the 2024 season. Despite these departures, his deep understanding of the team and the IPL will be crucial as PBKS aim to rebuild its squad. Jaffer has also served as the batting coach for the Bangladesh youth team and as the head coach of Uttarakhand and Odisha in the Indian domestic circuit.
Aiming for a strong rebuild
With the IPL 2025 mega auction on the horizon, PBKS are eager to overhaul their squad and build a competitive team. The franchise’s recent struggles, including finishing eighth and ninth under Bayliss, highlight the need for a strategic and impactful rebuild. The potential appointment of Jaffer is seen as a step towards addressing these issues and forming a robust team for the future.
As PBKS prepares for the mega auction and a new coaching regime, the focus will be on assembling a squad capable of breaking their long-standing playoff drought and pursuing the elusive IPL title, which has remained out of reach for 17 seasons.
