South African cricket icon Dale Steyn will be absent from the SunRisers Hyderabad coaching staff in the upcoming IPL season, having sought a break from his duties. Despite his 93 Tests, 125 ODIs, and 47 T20Is experience, the 40-year-old has communicated his unavailability for the current season, intending to resume his role next season, pending arrangements.
Steyn, who played for Deccan Chargers and later Sunrisers Hyderabad as a player, and later served as a bowling coach, has not responded to inquiries. The franchise is actively seeking a replacement for Steyn and is expected to make an announcement soon. Coach Daniel Vettori is tasked with the responsibility of selecting a suitable candidate but has not provided comments on the matter.
As the franchise undergoes changes, there are indications that the Australian pacer could be named the new skipper for the upcoming season. Cummins, acquired for Rs 20.5 crore in the last auction, is highly respected in international cricket, and his association with head coach Vettori in the Australian national team enhances his chances of assuming the captaincy.
Pat Cummins played for KKR in the IPL
While Aiden Markram led the side in 2023 without significant success, his prior successful leadership of SunRisers Eastern Cape during the first two seasons of the SA20 adds weight to his credentials. Despite Cummins’ limited IPL exposure, his noteworthy achievements at the international level, including contributions to Australia’s success in the World Test Championship and World Cup, may sway the management’s decision in favour of his leadership.
Pat Cummins is poised to take on the role of captain for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming IPL 2024 season, potentially replacing Aiden Markram. With a commendable track record as Australia’s captain and his connection with Vettori, who is part of the Australian coaching setup, Cummins’ chances of assuming the leadership role are on the rise.
While Markram led SunRisers Eastern Cape to victory in the recent SA20 2024, Cummins is anticipated to be preferred, given his distinguished leadership in Australia’s triumphs in the WTC and World Cup final last year. Despite Markram’s leadership in the last two seasons for SRH lacking major success, Cummins’ strong captaincy record and recent achievements make him a compelling choice to steer Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming IPL season.
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