Former Australia all-rounder James Hopes has joined the Ricky Ponting-led Punjab Kings coaching staff, Cricbuzz reported on October 26 (Saturday). The franchise has also retained assistant coach Brad Haddin and spin-bowling coach Sunil Joshi.
Hopes also worked under Ponting at Delhi Capitals, the franchise that sacked the latter earlier this year. The Capitals did offer an extension to Hopes but the 46-year-old decided against it and has now joined Punjab, the franchise he played for in 2008.
Hopes’ inclusion means Charl Langeveldt could be sacked from his role. The former South African seamer was the team's fast-bowling coach under Trevor Bayliss during the 2023 and 2024 editions.
The aforementioned portal also reported that Punjab have retained other members of the coaching staff, including Adrian le Roux (S&C coach) and Andrew Leipus (physio).
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