Bangar had served as head coach of the franchise for three seasons between 2014 and 2016, helping the Kings make their only appearance in an IPL final in that stint.
Sanjay Bangar had previously served as head coach of the Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) for three seasons between 2014 and 2016. Sportzpics
Former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar on Friday returned to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) as their new head of cricket development.
Bangar’s return to the franchise comes days before the player auction for the 2024 IPL takes place in Dubai.
The former cricketer had served as the head coach of the franchise for three seasons between 2014 and 2016, back when they were known as Kings XI Punjab. He was promoted to head coach midway through the 2014 season after initially joining as assistant coach.
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His stint with Punjab got off to a cracking start with the side topping the group in the 2014 edition and eventually finishing runners-up — their only appearance in an IPL final to date — after a defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders in the final.
Punjab, however, finished at the bottom of the eight-team table in the next two seasons, leading to the side parting ways with Bangar.
“It’s my privilege to be with the Punjab Kings again,” Bangar stated in a media release.
We are delighted to announce the return of our sher, Sanjay Bangar as the new Head of Cricket Development at Punjab Kings.
Mr. Bangar brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our organization, and we are confident that under his leadership, our cricket development… pic.twitter.com/oDamatwpYg
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 8, 2023
Bangar will work in tandem with the team’s head coach Trevor Bayliss as the duo will form the think tank for the IPL auction, slated to be held in Dubai on December 19.
“We have a good core group of players as evidenced by the fact that we have the lowest number of player releases this year. The challenge is to give the squad the best support possible during and after the season to make the team stronger and deliver success,” Bangar said.
Bangar was the Royal Challengers Bangalore batting consultant before being named the team’s head coach for the next two years.
Punjab Kings have released five players, including Tamil Nadu’s Shahrukh Khan.
With PTI inputs