IPL 2023: Brad Haddin joins Punjab Kings as their new assistant coach

The former Australian cricketer Brad Haddin has joined Punjab Kings as their new assistant coach for the next Indian Premier League (IPL) edition in 2023. Haddin's joining was already on the cards after the franchise appointed Trevor Bayliss as their new head coach last month. The World Cup-winning Australian coach replaced Indian legend Anil Kumble, who struggled for results last season.

Punjab Kings, under the leadership of Kumble and captain Mayank Agarwal, finished the IPL 2022 season in the sixth position with just seven wins from 14 games. The franchise decided not to renew Kumble's contract alongside assistant coach Jonty Rhodes and bowling coach Damien Wright. An IPL source has confirmed Haddin's appointment and also revealed that the rest of the support staff will be announced soon.

"Haddin has been appointed as an assistant coach. The rest of the support staff will be appointed soon," an IPL source said according to NDTV.

Bayliss and Haddin to lead coaching staff of Punjab Kings in 2023 edition

Haddin, 44, retired from international cricket in 2015 during the Ashes series in England. He was appointed as Australia's fielding coach in 2018 and was also part of Sunrisers Hyderabad's coaching setup in 2019-20. 

Bayliss guided Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL victories in 2012 and 2014 and also coached Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He has a good working relationship with Haddin which will definitely profit Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2023. Bayliss, upon his appointment, also stated that he will target the silverware with Punjab Kings during the IPL 2023 season.

"I’m honoured to be given the Head Coach’s role with the Punjab Kings. A foundation franchise with an appetite for success. I look forward to working with a talented squad of players determined to compete for silverware,” Bayliss said in an official statement last month.

Punjab Kings retained only Mayank Agarwal and Arshdeep Singh ahead of the mega auction for the IPL 2022. They struggled to win any back-to-back games last season as they failed to qualify for the playoffs in three consecutive seasons, which has led to the departure of the coaching staff.