Punjab Kings (PBKS), on Friday, announced the appointment of Trevor Bayliss as their new head coach for the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Bayliss will replace Indian legend Anil Kumble, who parted ways with the Mohali-based franchise last month. In three years under Kumble, PBKS failed to qualify for the playoffs, and their hunt for the maiden IPL title continued.
Notably, Bayliss carries a pretty good resume both in the cash-rich league and international cricket. He previously coached England Men’s cricket team to the 2019 World Cup win and also won two IPL titles for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2012 and 2014. The 59-year-old has also overseen Sydney Sixers’ Big Bash League title victory. His previous IPL stint came with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where the ‘Orange Army’ ended third in the 2020 season but finished at the bottom in the subsequent year.
“I’m honoured to be given the Head Coach’s role with the Punjab Kings. A foundation franchise with an appetite for success. I look forward to working with a talented squad of players determined to compete for silverware,” said Bayliss in a statement released by Punjab Kings.
🚨 New Coach Alert 🚨
IPL winner ✅
ODI World Cup winner ✅
CLT20 winner ✅Here's wishing a very warm welcome to our new Head Coach, Trevor Bayliss. 😍
Here's looking forward to a successful partnership! 🤝#PunjabKings #SaddaPunjab #TrevorBayliss #HeadCoach pic.twitter.com/UKdKi2Lefi
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) September 16, 2022
Notably, Punjab’s only final appearance in IPL history came way back in 2014 when they lost to Knight Riders. PBKS have finished sixth in the last four seasons of the 20-over tournament. In the previous season, Mayank Agarwal had taken over the captaincy from KL Rahul, who moved to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Under Agarwal’s leadership, PBKS endured a disappointing run and finished sixth with 14 points, with the skipper scoring only 196 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 122.50 and a dreadful average of 16.33.
