Trevor Bayliss coaching Punjab Kings during an IPL match.

Punjab Kings are unlikely to renew Bayliss’ contract and are actively seeking an Indian coach

Trevor Bayliss assumed the coaching reins from Anil Kumble in 2023.

After Ricky Ponting, another Australian is set to exit the elite coaching group in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Trevor Bayliss, head coach of the Punjab Kings, could also be on his way out.

His two-year contract with the franchise has ended, and the team is unlikely to renew it.

According to sources, Punjab Kings are on the lookout for an Indian coach to guide the team.

While the final decision remains pending, Sanjay Bangar, who previously served as the head coach of the franchise and is currently the director of cricket development, is among the potential candidates.

A decision was expected at the board meeting scheduled for July 22, but the meeting did not take place.

The franchise is believed to have broadened its search ahead of the mega-auction later this year.

The remarkable achievements of Rahul Dravid with the Indian team, the Gautam Gambhir-Chandrakant Pandit duo’s contribution to the Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning campaign last season, and Ashish Nehra’s successful association with the Gujarat Titans have led to Indian coaches being in high demand across IPL franchises.

Sourav Ganguly continues to play a key role in the Delhi Capitals’ coaching staff, and Royal Challengers Bangalore have included Dinesh Karthik in their coaching team for the upcoming season.

As for Bayliss, 61, who has had tenures with Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings, and a successful stint with the England team in between, PBKS decision-makers state that a final call will be made after a review meeting of last year’s performance.

Despite his extensive experience, his T20 record across tournaments has been poor over the last five years with the Sunrisers, Sydney Thunder, and Punjab Kings.

The ownership group maintains that no decision has been taken yet.

Cricpulse understands that franchise insiders have no complaints about Bayliss’ coaching style but acknowledge that results matter.

Under his guidance, the team did not meet expectations, finishing an underwhelming eighth and ninth in the last two seasons despite having a strong squad.

Bayliss took over from Anil Kumble ahead of the 2023 season.

Bayliss did not respond to text messages from this website.

Elsewhere in the IPL, Rahul Dravid is being pursued by multiple franchises, and there is significant attention on Mumbai Indians regarding Mark Boucher.

The Ashish Nehra-Vikram Solanki combo is also on thin ice at Gujarat Titans, while all eyes are on Kolkata Knight Riders regarding their new coaching appointments following a ‘mass exit’ to the Indian team.

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