Dale Steyn Confirms Exit from IPL 2025 as Bowling Coach
Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn has officially announced that he will not be returning as the bowling coach for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Steyn, who took on the coaching role in 2022, expressed gratitude for his time with the franchise, marking a significant chapter in his cricketing career. While he steps away from SRH, he will continue to contribute as a coach for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 league.
Earlier this year, Steyn had to withdraw from IPL 2024 for personal reasons, leading SRH to appoint former New Zealand cricketer James Franklin as their bowling coach. Franklin is set to work alongside head coach Daniel Vettori in the upcoming season, further solidifying the coaching structure within the team. Steyn’s announcement comes as a surprise but also opens a new chapter for the franchise.
Commitment to Sunrisers Eastern Cape
In his announcement on social media platform X, Steyn emphasized his ongoing commitment to the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, where he aims to continue the team’s winning streak. “Cricket announcement. I want to express my gratitude to Sunrisers Hyderabad for hiring me as their bowling coach for a few IPL seasons. I am very sorry, but I will not be coming back for IPL 2025. But I will still be working here in South Africa with Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20,” he wrote.
Steyn expressed his hopes for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to clinch their third consecutive title in the SA20, reflecting his passion for the game and dedication to his players. “Two-time winners here in SA20, let’s try to make it THREE in a row,” he added, showcasing his competitive spirit even in the coaching realm.
During his illustrious playing career, Steyn represented various IPL teams, including Deccan Chargers, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Gujarat Lions. His last stint as a player was with RCB in 2020 before transitioning into a coaching role with SRH. Notably, he has been instrumental in the development of young fast bowlers, including Umran Malik, helping them enhance their skills and gain valuable experience in the game.
SRH’s Recent Performance and Future Outlook
Under Steyn’s guidance, SRH reached the IPL 2024 final but was narrowly defeated by Kolkata Knight Riders, marking their first appearance in the final since 2018. This performance showcased the team’s potential and resilience, particularly in the absence of a consistent bowling strategy in previous seasons. Given the success the team found under the Vettori-Franklin partnership, they may opt to retain their current coaching setup for the next season.
The departure of Steyn may lead to a strategic reassessment for SRH as they aim to build on their recent successes. The franchise will be keen to maintain momentum while developing a bowling lineup that can compete effectively against top teams in the league. Steyn’s legacy as a player and coach will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the franchise.
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As SRH prepares for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how they navigate this transition while aiming for a stronger showing in IPL 2025. With a talented roster and a solid coaching foundation, the franchise remains poised for success, even as they bid farewell to one of their key mentors in the bowling department.
