IPL 2023: Trevor Bayliss named new head coach of Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings have announced the appointment of Trevor Bayliss as the head coach of the team, putting an end to long-running speculations. The IPL franchise had parted ways with Anil Kumble earlier this month and were on the hunt for a new head coach to replace the former Indian spinner. The Punjab-based outfit made the announcement via its official Twitter handle on Friday.

The Australian comes in with a massive reputation after winning the 2019 World Cup with England, securing the country's maiden triumph in the 50-over format. Trevor Bayliss' is one of the more successful IPL coaches going around as the Aussie took Kolkata Knight Riders to their maiden triumph in the competition in 2012, before clinching their second trophy in 2014. He also won a Big Bash League (BBL) title with the Sydney Sixers. More recently, Bayliss was the head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

The runner-ups of the 2014 season welcomed the newly appointed head coach via a post on Twitter, which read, "New Coach Alert IPL winner, ODI World Cup winner, CLT20 winner.  Here's wishing a very warm welcome to our new Head Coach, Trevor Bayliss. Here's looking forward to a successful partnership!"

🚨 New Coach Alert 🚨

IPL winner ✅
ODI World Cup winner ✅
CLT20 winner ✅

Here's wishing a very warm welcome to our new Head Coach, Trevor Bayliss. 😍

Here's looking forward to a successful partnership! 🤝#PunjabKings #SaddaPunjab #TrevorBayliss #HeadCoach pic.twitter.com/UKdKi2Lefi

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) September 16, 2022

Punjab Kings were underwhelming in the three seasons under Anil Kumble

Punjab Kings have finished in the sixth position in each of the last four seasons and decided to part ways with Kumble after failing to qualify for the playoffs in three successive seasons during his tenure. The Australian coach has a challenging task on his hands as the Punjab-based franchise has qualified for the playoffs just twice, despite being one of the mainstays in the tournament. There have been rumors about a change in leadership roles in the team as well after the current skipper Mayank Agarwal's form dipped considerably in the previous season.

"I look forward to working with a talented squad of players determined to compete for silverware," The newly appointed Punjab coach said in an official statement.