Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will be without their bowling coach, Dale Steyn, for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). According to Cricbuzz, Steyn requested a leave of absence from his coaching duties this year but is expected to return next season.
The 40-year-old South African legend, known for his fiery pace bowling throughout his playing career, informed the franchise management about his unavailability. SRH has begun searching for a new bowling coach and is expected to make an announcement soon.
Steyn’s Impact on SRH and Umran Malik’s Development
Steyn, a veteran of 93 Tests, 125 ODIs, and 47 T20Is, previously played for Deccan Chargers (now defunct) and SRH as a player. After a short stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore, he returned to Hyderabad in 2022 as their bowling coach.
During his coaching tenure, Steyn is credited with playing a crucial role in the development of young pacer Umran Malik. Malik, a raw talent with raw pace, has blossomed under Steyn’s guidance and recently earned a fast bowler contract from the BCCI.
Pat Cummins Frontrunner for SRH Captaincy
While Steyn steps away from the coaching staff, SRH is expected to name Pat Cummins as their new captain. The Australian captain, acquired for a hefty sum of Rs 20.5 crore at the IPL auction, is highly regarded for his leadership skills at the international level.
This potential change in leadership was anticipated, considering Cummins’ international stature and his existing successful partnership with SRH head coach Daniel Vettori in the Australian national team.
Markram’s Leadership and Cummins’ International Success
Aiden Markram led SRH in the past two IPL seasons, but the team did not achieve significant success. However, Markram’s recent victories with Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the franchise’s subsidiary in the SA20 league, strengthen his leadership credentials.
Cummins, despite not having a substantial track record in the IPL, boasts exceptional achievements at the international level. His contributions to Australia’s recent triumphs in the World Test Championship and the World Cup, both against India, could significantly influence the SRH management’s decision to appoint him as captain.
With Steyn taking a break and Cummins being the frontrunner for captaincy, SRH is gearing up for a new chapter in the upcoming IPL season. The team will be looking to bounce back from their previous seasons’ performances and establish themselves as strong contenders for the championship title.
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