(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] As the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 approaches, Punjab Kings (PKBS) have made significant changes to their team management. Wasim Jaffer, who served as the team’s batting consultant until last year, has been replaced by former India batting coach Sanjay Banger.
Jaffer’s tenure saw Punjab Kings finishing eighth on the IPL 2023 points table.
Banger, a former batting coach of India, brings a wealth of experience to the table. He previously served as the head coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2022 and 2023 editions of the IPL.
Notably, Banger had also worked with Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), guiding them to the team’s sole appearance in the IPL finals in 2014.
Bangar, who now assumes the role of batting coach for the Punjab-based franchise, has also been appointed as the Director of Cricket by the franchise, as announced earlier.
With Banger’s return to the coaching setup, Punjab Kings aim to turn their fortunes around. The side has introduced eight fresh faces acquired during the auction, with former RCB bowler Harshal Patel emerging as their highest-priced acquisition at Rs. 11.75 crore.
Led by Shikhar Dhawan, Punjab Kings will kick off their campaign in the upcoming season with a North Indian Derby against Delhi Capitals on March 23, playing an afternoon match in their new home venue at Mullanpur.