Sunil Joshi steps down as Punjab Kings spin-bowling coach, may join BCCI Centre of Excellence

Sunil Joshi steps down as Punjab Kings spin-bowling coach, may join BCCI Centre of Excellence (Source: BCCI/IPL)

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Joshi is understood to have stepped down as Punjab Kings’ spin-bowling coach. He was a part of head coach Anil Kumble’s setup from 2020 and 2022 before being reappointed in 2023. Joshi is believed to have written to the franchise about his decision. His exit was confirmed by an official of the franchise.

“He has written to us about his unavailability for the coming season. He is a good guy and the franchise has a good equation with him. But we don’t want to come in the way of someone’s career growth,” stated the franchise official, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Joshi, now 55, is believed to have informed Ponting on a personal level as well. It is believed that the two have a good understanding and that Ponting would have ideally liked Joshi to stay at the franchise. However, Ponting is reported to have appreciated the decision Joshi has taken.

After Joshi’s first stint with PBKS, he joined the Board of Control for Cricket in India as a chief selector. He later joined the BCCI as a selector. Joshi, who played 15 Tests and 69 ODIs for India, has served as the head coach of Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking of Joshi’s international career, it spanned between 1996 and 2001. The left-arm spinner picked up 41 wickets in Tests and 69 in ODIs. Coming to his First-Class career, Joshi secured 615 scalps at an average of 25.12 and an economy rate of 2.42.

He represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the inaugural edition of the IPL. Joshi’s astonishing spell of 10-6-6-5 spell in a 50-over clash against South Africa is one of the standout moments of his career.

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