Fast bowler Brijesh Sharma has joined the Jammu and Kashmir squad ahead of the new domestic season, with the association also making key changes to its coaching staff following two departures to the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

Brijesh, who grabbed attention after making his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals earlier this year, has linked up with the J&K side during its pre-season camp.

The 27-year-old right-arm pacer from Udhampur came through the state’s age-group system before moving to Delhi to train under coach Deepak Punia. His impressive performances for Smashers Malda in the 2025 Bengal Pro T20 League, where he claimed 11 wickets in seven matches, earned him an IPL contract with the Royals despite not having played senior domestic cricket. Brijesh went on to claim 14 wickets in the tournament.

Jammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra is pleased with what he has seen so far from the pacer.

“He seems to be a keen learner of the game. We have had some meaningful discussions with him during the camp and hopefully, he will keep them in mind and make his presence felt along the way,” Dogra told  Sportstar.

The association has also revamped its support staff ahead of the season.

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Puneet Bisht has been appointed fielding coach after Dishant Yagnik moved to the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Jammu and Kashmir is also in the process of appointing a new bowling coach following P. Krishna Kumar’s move to the CoE.

The changes come as the team gears up for another domestic season, hoping to defend the Ranji Trophy title.