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A New Direction for Punjab Cricket
In a decisive move to stabilize and elevate their domestic performance, the Punjab cricket hierarchy has confirmed that Amit Uniyal named head coach as Punjab overhaul backroom staff for the upcoming 2026-27 season. The appointment marks the end of Sandeep Sharma’s tenure and signals a broader shift in the team’s technical leadership, as the state association looks to move past recent inconsistencies.
The New Coaching Core
Alongside the appointment of Uniyal, the backroom team has seen a complete reconfiguration. TP Singh has been brought in as the batting coach, taking over from Uday Kaul. The bowling department will now be overseen by Harmeet Singh, replacing Gagandeep Singh, while Manish Sharma steps in as the fielding coach, taking the reins from Sandeep Sanwal. This overhaul is designed to instill a fresh philosophy throughout the dressing room.
Profile of the New Head Coach
Amit Uniyal brings a wealth of experience to the role. A former left-arm seam-bowling allrounder for Punjab, Uniyal enjoyed a respectable career, featuring in 29 first-class matches and claiming 91 wickets at an average of 29.94. His professional journey also included stints in limited-overs cricket, where he featured in 46 List A matches and represented the Rajasthan Royals in the 2009 IPL season. Since 2017, he has transitioned into administration and coaching, having served as an assistant coach and chairman of selectors for Chandigarh, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of talent development.
Addressing the Coaching Carousel
Stability has been a significant challenge for the Punjab setup. Uniyal represents the fourth head coach in as many seasons for the team. Following Aavishkar Salvi’s departure after the 2023-24 season, both Wasim Jaffer and Sandeep Sharma served brief, single-season tenures. The association is hopeful that Uniyal’s local roots and long-term vision will provide the continuity the team desperately requires.
Reviving the Red-Ball Format
While Punjab has found success in the white-ball arena—most notably securing the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in 2023-24—their performance in red-ball cricket has been a cause for concern. Over the previous three Ranji Trophy campaigns, the team recorded only three wins against ten losses across 21 matches. Uniyal is acutely aware of the cultural shift in modern cricket, where the allure of T20s often distracts players from the rigors of first-class games. He noted that while the focus on T20 cricket is a nationwide trend, the primary goal for his tenure is to build a cohesive unit capable of taking 20 wickets in a match.
Building Consistency and Opportunity
One of the key issues identified in the previous season was the lack of consistency in leadership and selection. The team utilized 27 different players during the last Ranji Trophy, the highest number in the Elite groups, and saw three different captains take charge throughout the campaign. Under the new selection committee led by Gaurav Gupta, the emphasis will shift toward stability. Uniyal has pledged to foster an environment where players can perform without the fear of immediate exclusion. By offering sustained opportunities, the coaching staff hopes to cultivate a resilient squad that reflects the true potential of Punjab cricket. As the new season approaches, the focus is squarely on fostering a fearless approach to the game, ensuring that every player selected has the confidence to contribute to a winning culture.