SRH May Look for New Bowling Coach as Dale Steyn Seeks Break

Dale Steyn has notified the franchise -

Dale Steyn will not be a member of the Sunrisers Hyderabad's coaching staff for the Indian Premier League 2024 season. Cricbuzz has learned that the South African speed legend has asked permission to take a break from his IPL duties this year. He is expected to return next season, subject to all appropriate preparations and criteria.

The 40-year-old pacer, who has played 93 Tests, 125 ODIs, and 47 T20Is in his stellar career, is alleged to have notified the franchise management that he will be unavailable this year. The franchise has begun the search for a new bowling coach, with an announcement expected shortly.

Daniel Vettori is now in-charge of finding suitable coach -

The task of hiring a replacement bowling coach for the team now falls on coach Daniel Vettori, who is said to be seeking for a suitable candidate. However, the former New Zealand skipper did not react to inquiries about the subject.

Steyn formerly played for the Deccan Chargers and Sunrisers Hyderabad. After a brief spell with Royal Challengers Bangalore, he returned to Hyderabad as a bowling coach in 2022. He is credited with helping Umran Malik progress from rookie pacer to international bowler. Umran has signed a fast bowling contract with the BCCI.

Pat Cummins may be appointed as captain -

Meanwhile, the team is anticipated to name Pat Cummins as its next captain for the forthcoming season. The Australian skipper was bought for Rs 20.5 crore in the most recent Dubai auction and is regarded as a top international captain. Cummins has always been regarded as a respected international cricketer, so the shift was expected. Cummins' relationship with franchise head coach Vettori on the Australian national team boosts his chances of being named captain.

Aiden Markram led the team for the last two IPL seasons, although without much success. Despite this, Markram's excellent leadership of Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the franchise's subsidiary, over the first two seasons of the SA20 strengthens his credentials. Cummins hasn't done much in the IPL.

However, his renowned international performances, particularly his contributions to Australia's victories in the World Test Championship (WTC) and World Cup, both at the expense of the Indian side, may eventually influence the management's choice to put their trust in his leadership.