Punjab Kings to find three coaches after Hopes, Haddin exit for IPL 2027
Synopsis
Punjab Kings face an unusual three-coach vacancy heading into IPL 2027. James Hopes has gone to Queensland and Brisbane Heat, Brad Haddin to NSW, and Sairaj Bahutule to the Indian national side — leaving PBKS scrambling for a fast-bowling coach, a fielding coach, and a spin-bowling coach before December's auction.
Key Takeaways
James Hopes (fast-bowling coach) and Brad Haddin (fielding coach) have both left Punjab Kings after IPL 2026 .
Hopes takes over as head coach of Queensland and BBL side Brisbane Heat ; Haddin becomes NSW men's head coach .
Sairaj Bahutule earlier left PBKS to join the Indian national team as spin coach under Gautam Gambhir .
Punjab Kings are seeking one Indian and two overseas coaches for IPL 2027.
All three appointments are expected before the IPL 2027 auction in December .
Trevor Gonsalves continues in his assistant bowling coach role, providing some staff continuity.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to begin a three-pronged coaching search after Australian duo James Hopes and Brad Haddin departed the IPL franchise, joining state sides in Australia following the conclusion of IPL 2026. Their exits compound an earlier vacancy left by spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, who crossed over to the Indian national setup under head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Who Left and Where They Went
Hopes, who served as Punjab Kings' fast-bowling coach under head coach Ricky Ponting, has taken charge as head coach of Queensland and will simultaneously hold the same role at Big Bash League (BBL) side Brisbane Heat. Haddin, the franchise's fielding coach, has been appointed head coach of the New South Wales (NSW) men's team and is reportedly in line for a BBL coaching role as well. According to an IPL source, both coaches made the move after the conclusion of IPL 2026.
Bahutule's Departure Sets Off the Chain
Bahutule left PBKS to join the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)-appointed Indian team support staff as spin coach, creating the first opening in the coaching unit. The departures of Hopes and Haddin now leave PBKS short of three specialists — a fast-bowling coach, a fielding coach, and a spin-bowling coach — ahead of IPL 2027.
Notably, Trevor Gonsalves remains in his assistant bowling coach position, providing some continuity within the support staff.
PBKS Coaching Timeline and Overhaul History
Punjab Kings underwent a sweeping coaching restructure before IPL 2025, when Ponting replaced Trevor Bayliss as head coach. Hopes came in during late 2024, succeeding Charl Langeveldt as fast-bowling coach — a role he had previously held in Ponting's backroom staff at Delhi Capitals. Bahutule replaced Sunil Joshi, who moved to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in a spin-coaching capacity. Haddin was retained through that overhaul as fielding coach.
What PBKS Plans Next
According to an IPL source, the franchise is targeting a blend of one Indian and two overseas coaches to complete their support staff for the upcoming season. A final decision on all three appointments is expected before the IPL 2027 auction in December. The tight timeline means Punjab Kings will need to move quickly in a competitive market, with several franchises routinely scouting the same pool of experienced coaches.
Point of View
Where roster strategy and coaching philosophy need to align. The departures of Hopes and Haddin reflect a broader trend of seasoned Australian coaches being pulled back into the domestic system after BBL and state cricket boards expanded their budgets. For Punjab Kings, continuity has been a persistent challenge — this is their second major support-staff shake-up in two seasons. Whether Ponting retains his influence over the selection of replacements, or whether the franchise ownership drives the picks independently, will shape PBKS's competitive identity going into 2027.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did James Hopes and Brad Haddin leave Punjab Kings?
James Hopes and Brad Haddin departed Punjab Kings after IPL 2026 to take up head coaching roles in Australia. Hopes became head coach of Queensland and BBL side Brisbane Heat, while Haddin was appointed head coach of the NSW men's team.
Who else left Punjab Kings' coaching staff?
Spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule left PBKS to join the Indian national team's support staff as spin coach under head coach Gautam Gambhir, creating the first of the three vacancies now facing the franchise.
How many coaches does Punjab Kings need to replace for IPL 2027?
Punjab Kings need to fill three coaching roles — fast-bowling coach, fielding coach, and spin-bowling coach — before the IPL 2027 auction in December. The franchise is reportedly looking at one Indian and two overseas candidates.
When will Punjab Kings announce their new coaching appointments?
According to IPL sources, a decision on all three replacement coaches is expected before the IPL 2027 player auction, which is scheduled for December.
Who remains in Punjab Kings' support staff?
Head coach Ricky Ponting leads the support staff, and Trevor Gonsalves continues in his role as assistant bowling coach, providing some continuity amid the three departures.
