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While T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia is hogging all the limelight, the upcoming mini-auction for IPL 2023 has started making headlines. After yet another poor show in IPL 2022, Punjab Kings are making a series of changes in their management hoping to rejuvenate their side in upcoming seasons.
The franchise started with parting ways with the former head coach of Indian team Anil Kumble. Later, the also announced Shikhar Dhawan as the new captain instead of Mayank Agarwal.
Australian cricketer Trevor Bayliss has replaced Anil Kumble as the head coach of the franchise, while fresh reports suggest Brad Haddin and Charl Langeveldt have joined the coaching staff of the franchise.
According to a Cricbuzz report, South African great Jonty Rhodes has been replaced along with others who were part of Anil Kumble's team. The report adds that former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin will work as an assistant coach and fielding coach. Haddin worked with Bayliss at Sunrisers Hyderabad as well.
Former South Africa pacer Charles Langeveldt will also work under Bayliss. He will don the bowling coach's hat. Punjab Kings has only retained physio Andrew Leipus.
Notably, Kumble was appointed as the head coach before IPL 2020 but could not change the fortunes of the franchise as Punjab Kings failed to clear the league stage. KL Rahul captained the side in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, PBKS appointed Mayank Agarwal as their captain, and experienced yet another poor outing as they failed to even qualify for the playoffs.
The captaincy duty had an impact on Mayank's batting performance, and he only managed 196 runs in 13 matches. This was his worst-ever season since taking up the opening job on a permanent basis in 2020.
Shikhar Dhawan, who will lead PBKS, joined the franchise for Rs 8.25 crore in IPL 2022 mega auction. PBKS haven't played any playoff fixture since 2014. They have only cleared the league stage twice - in 2008 and 2014.