In a surprising turn of events, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has named James Franklin, the former New Zealand all-rounder, as their Pace-Bowling Coach for the upcoming 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Stepping into the shoes previously filled by the legendary Dale Steyn, Franklin brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the franchise.
New Leadership in the Bowling Department
Monday’s official announcement from the SRH camp revealed that Dale Steyn would be absent this season due to personal reasons. In his place, James Franklin assumes the crucial role of Pace Bowling Coach, marking a significant shift for the team. The franchise welcomed Franklin with enthusiasm, acknowledging the change in leadership and expressing optimism for the season ahead.
Franklin’s Cricketing Legacy and Transition to Coaching
James Franklin’s cricketing journey spans 31 Tests, 110 ODIs, and 38 T20Is for New Zealand from 2001 to 2013. Transitioning from his playing days with Mumbai Indians in the 2011 and 2012 IPL seasons, Franklin now embarks on his maiden coaching stint with SRH. His coaching resume includes a significant role as the head coach of Durham in English county cricket from 2019 to 2022, and he currently serves as the bowling coach of Islamabad United in the ongoing season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Reunion with Vettori and SRH’s Strategic Moves
The SRH coaching lineup sees a reunion of former New Zealand teammates, as Daniel Vettori continues in his role as the head coach. The duo previously collaborated at the Birmingham Phoenix franchise in The Hundred and with the Middlesex County team. This partnership brings a unique blend of experience and camaraderie to the SRH coaching staff, promising a dynamic and well-coordinated approach to the upcoming IPL season.
Pat Cummins Takes the Helm as Captain
In a parallel development, SRH announced the appointment of Australia’s Test and ODI captain, Pat Cummins, as the captain for the IPL 2024 season. This move follows Aiden Markram’s captaincy, and Cummins, after a stellar 2023, steps into the role for the first time in the IPL. The Australian captain led his national team to victory in the World Test Championship and the Men’s ODI World Cup, solidifying his credentials as a formidable leader.
Cummins, the Torchbearer of SRH
Pat Cummins succeeds David Warner as the captain, becoming the second Australian to lead SRH after Warner’s illustrious stint from 2015 to 2021. As the IPL 2016 winners, Sunrisers Hyderabad aims to start their IPL 2024 campaign on March 23 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Eden Gardens. Their first home match is scheduled for March 27 against Mumbai Indians at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, setting the stage for an exciting season under new leadership.
You can also check out Pat Cummins Appointed As SRH Captain for IPL 2024.
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