IPL is a competition-heavy tournament. Even if a team fails for one season, it could lead to massive changes before the next. As per reports, there is a mega-auction before IPL 2025. However, that is not confirmed. Hence, Head Coaches will be aware of the vulnerability of their futures in IPL 2024. While some coaches might be retained based on potential, a few could have a narrow margin for failure. On that note, here, we take a look at four coaches who could get sacked if their teams do not qualify for the playoffs of IPL 2024.
1) Mark Boucher – Mumbai Indians
It would be a big shock if Mumbai Indians fail to reach the playoffs in IPL 2024. The team has a solid Indian core, arguably the best in the competition. The team is such that it looks extremely strong even with just three overseas signings in the playing XI.
Hence, if MI does not get to the next stage of the tournament, the future of Mark Boucher could be in danger. The team did well under him last season but Boucher could not bring to the table any of his philosophies. Hence, it will be interesting to see what happens to MI in IPL 2024.
2) Trevor Bayliss – Punjab Kings
Trevor Bayliss is one of the coaches who could get sacked if their teams do not qualify for the playoffs of IPL 2024. The experienced coach is a serial winner in many of the competitions across the globe. Last season, he failed to do the job for Punjab Kings.
It has been close to a decade since PBKS last qualified for the playoffs. Hence, they are under pressure. It is more disappointing because the team is good and there are many match-winners on the roster. Despite this, the team is failing consistently. If that happens again in IPL 2024, Trevor Bayliss’ stint at PBKS could be over.
3) Chandrakant Pandit – Kolkata Knight Riders
With Gautam Gambhir back at KKR, the decisions that impact the on-field performances are likely to be taken by him. Of course, Chandrakant Pandit would also have views about the way KKR will perform on the field. That said, if KKR does not qualify, it would be hard for the franchise to not sack Pandit.
KKR might go for a younger coach who is aware of the latest trends in the T20 format. They could even promote Gautam Gambhir as the new Head Coach. The fact is that KKR has a good squad, especially considering their home ground. If they fail to do well, it would be a massive disappointment for both the fans and the management of the franchise.
4) Kumar Sangakkara – Rajasthan Royals
Kumar Sangakkara is also one of the coaches who could get sacked if their teams do not qualify for the playoffs of IPL 2024. It is a surprise that despite the display last season, Kumar Sangakkara still holds the role of the Head Coach at RR.
However, RR’s squad has improved and if they do not reach the playoffs next season, Sangakkara’s stint at RR as the Head Coach could come to an end. Shane Bond was recently appointed as the assistant coach and he could get a chance.
