Wasim Jaffer To Be Announced As Punjab Kings Head Coach For IPL 2025? Check Details

The Punjab Kings (PBKS), an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, is on the verge of reappointing former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer as their head coach. This decision follows recent reports suggesting that the franchise was actively seeking an Indian coach to lead their team. According to the Indian Express, Jaffer is expected to return to the Mohali-based franchise for the 18th edition of the IPL. This will mark his third stint with PBKS, reflecting the franchise’s continued trust in his coaching abilities. Jaffer previously served as the team’s batting coach from 2019 to 2021. However, he resigned from this position just before the IPL 2022 auction, and subsequently, his role as batting consultant was also terminated.

Wasim Jaffer sets his sights on return to Punjab Kings for IPL 2025

Jaffer’s return comes at a time when PBKS is looking to revitalize their coaching setup. His previous tenure with the franchise saw him contribute significantly, and his deep understanding of the game is anticipated to be beneficial for the team. With his experience and familiarity with the squad, Jaffer is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the team's performance in the upcoming season.

The reappointment of Jaffer underscores the franchise's strategy to leverage experienced Indian talent for their coaching staff. Fans and stakeholders will be keenly watching how Jaffer’s leadership will influence PBKS’s performance in the IPL 2024, aiming to build on his past successes and drive the team towards new achievements.

During both of Wasim Jaffer's previous tenures with the Punjab Kings (PBKS)—first as batting coach from 2019 to 2021 and then as batting consultant in 2023—the franchise's batting performance was notably underwhelming. Over these periods, PBKS accumulated just 9,482 runs in 1,100 overs, maintaining a run rate of 8.63. This performance was subpar when compared to most other franchises during the same timeframe. As Jaffer returns to lead the Punjab Kings as head coach, he faces a substantial challenge. The team, one of the original eight IPL franchises, has struggled to make a significant impact in recent seasons. They have failed to reach the playoffs for ten consecutive years, with their only IPL final appearance coming in 2014. In that season, they suffered a narrow defeat by three wickets against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The franchise experienced a marked decline after parting ways with Jaffer previously. In the latest season, PBKS finished in ninth place out of ten teams, narrowly avoiding the bottom spot which was claimed by the Mumbai Indians. Jaffer's return is seen as a critical move to address the team’s ongoing issues and revitalize their performance.