Punjab Kings have parted ways with fast-bowling coach James Hopes and fielding coach Brad Haddin from their support staff ahead of IPL 2027. The franchise also bid adieu to the spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule on October 8, 2026, making it a triple exit from the backroom crew.

James Hopes returns to Australian domestic cricket in a prominent coaching post after being named head coach of Queensland and the Brisbane Heat. Brad Haddin meanwhile will take the reins as next South Wales’ next head coach. Bahutule was Punjab Kings’ spin-bowling coach for the IPL 2026 and his appointment to the comparable specialist role within the Indian men’s set-up is a big step up from franchise cricket.

Punjab Kings finished fifth with 15 points in IPL 2026, one point shy of the playoffs. The franchise had reached the IPL 2025 final where they lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the title battle.

What roles did James Hopes and Haddin play at Punjab Kings?

James Hopes was fast bowling coach for Punjab Kings. He has expertise in the IPL coaching circuit having been part of Ricky Ponting’s coaching team at Delhi Capitals before to joining the organization. The move to head coaching at domestic level in Australia is a huge transition for him, where he will take control of both the state team and its Big Bash League franchise, the Brisbane Heat.

Haddin has been part of the Punjab Kings backroom since 2022 when he arrived as fielding coach under the term of head coach Trevor Bayliss. In the ensuing seasons, including after Ponting took over as head coach ahead of IPL 2025, he held that job. Haddin has over the years made a name for himself as a smart fielder in the IPL set-up. He takes over New South Wales in a prominent coaching role, returning to Australian state cricket and rejoining with the state where he became one of Australia’s best wicketkeepers.

What does it signify for Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2027?

Punjab Kings have three specialist coaches all leaving at the same time, and they have obvious gaps to fill when IPL 2027 starts. Ahead of next season, the franchise now needs to find a new fast bowling coach, a fielding coach and a spin bowling coach as part of a massive backstage overhaul.

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Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 campaign ended in frustration despite a competitive showing over the season. They were the slimmest of margins away from the playoffs, finishing fifth with 15 points. The franchise have been in two previous IPL finals – losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025 and Kolkata Knight Riders in the final in 2014 – and that ambition will spur them to hunt for quality replacements.

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