Wasim Jaffer reappointed Punjab Kings' batting coach ahead of IPL 2023

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer is back in the IPL after Punjab Kings appointed him as the batting coach of the franchise ahead of next year's edition. The ex-cricketer had previously worked with the franchise in the same role before stepping down ahead of IPL 2022. Apart from Jaffer, the Punjab-based franchise has also inducted Charl Langeveldt and Brad Haddin into their coaching staff.

The Punjab Kings are undergoing a massive overhaul in an attempt to improve their performance in the cash-rich Indian Premier League. They let go of former head coach Anil Kumble after deciding not to renew his contract and appointed Trevor Bayliss as the head coach in September. Moreover, they even got rid of their under-fire skipper Mayank Agarwal, releasing him from the squad ahead of the auction in December.

Veteran Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has been handed the responsibility of leading the side in IPL 2023, while former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has been appointed as the batting coach, having previously worked with the side for two seasons. Jaffer has also worked with the Odisha Ranji team and the Bangladesh U-19 side in his nascent coaching career so far.

Charl Langeveldt and Brad Haddin also join the coaching staff ahead of IPL 2023

The franchise has also roped in South African bowling coach Charl Langeveldt, who was the bowling coach of the Punjab side in IPL 2020. Meanwhile, former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin has been appointed the assistant coach of the side. He had previously worked with Sunrisers Hyderabad under the management of Trevor Bayliss in the same capacity.

The slew of changes comes in ahead of IPL 2023 as the management hopes to break their duck in the league and win their maiden title after failing to make it to the knockout stages in the last few seasons. Mayank Agarwal and Odean Smith were the most notable player released from the franchise ahead of the mini-auction scheduled in December. The franchise would be looking to make a few statement signings in the upcoming auction, heading into the event with the second-highest purse value of INR 32.2 crore.