Australian legend Ricky Ponting has been appointed as the new head coach of Punjab Kings, marking his return to IPL coaching after successful stints with Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals.

He became the sixth Australian to join the franchise in the capacity of the head coach. Overall he is the 11th coach of Punjab Kings, who were previously known as 2021 and have been perennial underachievers in the IPL. Let's take a look at their coaches' history since 2008.

Punjab Kings Head Coaches and Results since 2008

Tom Moody (2008–2010)

Tom Moody served as the first head coach of Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab). Under his guidance, the team had a strong debut in 2008, finishing as semi-finalists. However, the subsequent seasons were less successful, with the team ending 5th in 2009 and last in 2010. Despite a promising start, Punjab struggled to maintain consistency during Moody's tenure.

Michael Bevan (2011)

Australian legend Michael Bevan took over the coaching reins in 2011. The team showed improvement but narrowly missed the playoffs, finishing 5th. Though Bevan's stint was short-lived, his influence helped maintain a competitive spirit within the squad.

Adam Gilchrist (2012)

Adam Gilchrist, who was also the captain, doubled as the coach in 2012. Punjab finished 6th that season, showing flashes of potential but failing to qualify for the playoffs. Gilchrist's dual role might have spread his focus thin, contributing to the team's inconsistent performance.

Darren Lehmann (2013)

Darren Lehmann replaced Gilchrist in 2013, but the results were similar as Punjab once again finished 6th. Lehmann’s tenure was marked by a few memorable performances, but the team struggled to build momentum throughout the tournament.

Sanjay Bangar (2014–2016)

Sanjay Bangar led Punjab Kings through its most successful period, especially in 2014 when they reached the final but lost to Kolkata Knight Riders. However, the team’s performance nosedived in the next two seasons, finishing last in 2015 and 2016. Despite the highs and lows, Bangar's influence was key in Punjab's best-ever finish.

Virender Sehwag (2017)

Taking over as head coach in 2017, Virender Sehwag couldn't guide Punjab into the playoffs, finishing 5th. His tenure saw a star-studded lineup, but the team's inconsistency led to another missed opportunity.

Brad Hodge (2018)

In 2018, Brad Hodge took over, but his single season as head coach ended in disappointment with a 7th-place finish. Despite a promising start to the tournament, the team faltered in the second half.

Mike Hesson (2019)

Mike Hesson’s 2019 stint saw Punjab finish 6th. While Hesson is known for his strategic brilliance, he couldn't quite get the team to deliver consistent performances, and they missed the playoffs again.

Anil Kumble (2020–2022)

Anil Kumble's three-year tenure saw Punjab Kings finish 6th in each season (2020, 2021, and 2022). Despite assembling a strong squad, Kumble’s Punjab Kings struggled with closing out key matches, leading to their mid-table finishes.

Trevor Bayliss (2023–2024)

Trevor Bayliss, who coached the team in 2023 and 2024, couldn’t reverse the team’s fortunes. Punjab finished 8th in 2023 and 9th in 2024, marking a low point in their IPL journey. The team is now expected to part ways with Bayliss.

Ricky Ponting (2025–)

Ricky Ponting will become the sixth Australian to coach Punjab Kings after Tom Moody, Michael Bevan, Adam Gilchrist, Darren Lehmann, and Brad Hodge. All eyes will be on Ponting to see if he can turn Punjab’s fortunes around.