Dale Steyn opts for break as SRH bowling coach; Pat Cummins to replace Aiden Markram as captain - Reports

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bowling coach Dale Steyn will not be taking part in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. As per the reports in Cricbuzz, it is learned that the former South Africa pacer has asked for a break from the franchise for the 17th edition of the league.

Dale Steyn will be missing the IPL 2024 but the pacer is expected to return to the next edition. It is learned that the former South Africa pacer has already informed SRH about taking a break. The team management is expected to make the announcement soon.

Head coach Daniel Vettori reportedly has been searching for a replacement for Dale Steyn. The franchise will be looking for a fierce candidate like Steyn. The official announcement for the same is expected to be made soon, especially with other teams already started training.

The absence of Dale Styen will be a huge blow for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. With all the young fast bowlers in the team, he would’ve proved to be a perfect mentor for them, especially with the kind of fast bowler he himself was during his playing days.

Dale Steyn is credited a lot for the success of India’s fast bowler Umran Malik. The former South Africa pacer put in a lot of work with the young pacer. He played a huge role in his development and only after his guidance, Umran made his debut for the national team. He recently got a fast bowler contract from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Dale Steyn has been associated for a long time with Sunrisers Hyderabad. He played as a player for both Deccan Chargers and Sunrisers Hyderabad before taking up the bowling coach role in 2022.

Pat Cummins to take the leadership role of Sunrisers Hyderabad; Dale Steyn opts out

Apart from the development of Dale Steyn, the reports in Cricbuzz also claimed that Sunrisers Hyderabad are keen to give leadership to Pat Cummins. The Australia skipper was acquired by the franchise for INR 20.5 crore in the last auction, which took place in Dubai.

Pat Cummins will be taking over the leadership from Aiden Markram, who led the side in the last two IPL seasons. However, he didn’t have the kind of success he would’ve wanted as a captain. Despite South Africa winning two titles as captain with SunRisers Eastern Cape, he failed to make a mark IPL.

Ever since Pat Cummins got on board with Sunrisers Hyderabad, it was expected that he would take the leadership of the team. This was because of his recent success as the captain of the Australian team. Under him, Australia has become a brutal force in Test cricket and seems like an undefeated team.

Pat Cummins won the World Test Championship (WTC) and ICC World Cup 2023 as a captain and this surely would’ve worked in his favor. The reports claimed that franchise head coach Daniel Vettori’s work with Cummins at the Australian national also has increased his chances of being appointed as the skipper. It remains to be seen how will he fare as a leader in IPL.