James Hopes and Brad Haddin Leave Punjab Kings Coaching Staff
Punjab Kings have announced the departure of fast-bowling coach James Hopes and fielding coach Brad Haddin from their support staff ahead of the IPL 2027. Spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has also left the franchise, resulting in a treble departure from the backroom crew as of October 8, 2026.
James Hopes has been named head coach of the Queensland and Brisbane Heat, marking his return to Australian domestic cricket as a senior leader. Brad Haddin, meanwhile, will become New South Wales’ new head coach.
Bahutule, who was the Punjab Kings’ spin-bowling coach during the IPL 2026, has been promoted to an equal specialist post within the Indian men’s system, a significant step up from franchise cricket.
The Punjab Kings finished fifth in the IPL 2026 with 15 points, missing the playoffs by one point. The franchise made it to the IPL 2025 final, but lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the title match.
What were James Hopes and Haddin’s responsibilities at Punjab Kings?
James Hopes worked as a fast-bowling coach for Punjab Kings. Prior to joining the franchise, he was a member of Ricky Ponting’s coaching team at Delhi Capitals, where he gained valuable experience in the IPL coaching circuit. His hiring as head coach of Queensland and the Brisbane Heat signals a big change into domestic coaching in Australia, where he will supervise both the state team and their Big Bash League franchise.
Haddin has been a part of the Punjab Kings’ backroom since 2022, when he started as fielding coach during Trevor Bayliss’ time as head coach. He remained in that role for the following seasons, including after Ponting took over as head coach for the IPL 2025.
Over the years, Haddin established himself as an IPL fielding specialist. His appointment to manage New South Wales signifies a return to Australian state cricket as a senior coach, reuniting him with the state where he rose to prominence as one of Australia’s best wicketkeepers.
What does this signify for the Punjab Kings heading into the IPL 2027?
The simultaneous departure of three specialist coaches leaves Punjab Kings with clear holes to fill before the IPL 2027 begins. The franchise must now find a new fast-bowling coach, a fielding coach, and a spin-bowling coach as part of a major backstage overhaul ahead of the upcoming season.
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Despite a challenging season, the Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 campaign came to an end in frustration. They finished sixth with 15 points, just missing out in the playoffs. The club has made it to the IPL final twice in recent years, losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025 and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014, demonstrating the desire that will fuel their quest for competent replacements.
