IPL 2024: James Franklin named as the new bowling coach for Sunrisers Hyderabad replacing Dale Steyn

Franklin, who was known for his left-arm seam-bowling skills as a player, will make his coaching debut in the IPL with this new post at Sunrisers.

Former New Zealand all-rounder James Franklin is set to take over as Sunrisers Hyderabad’s bowling coach, succeeding Dale Steyn, who was initially named to the position in 2022. Steyn has opted to resign for personal reasons.

Franklin, who was known for his left-arm seam-bowling skills as a player, will make his coaching debut in the IPL with this new post at Sunrisers. Franklin offers a plethora of expertise to the coaching staff, having previously demonstrated his abilities with the Mumbai Indians in 2011 and 2012.

Franklin, who will work with head coach Daniel Vettori, hopes to improve the Sunrisers’ bowling lineup. The two have a history of collaboration, having previously worked together at Middlesex in county cricket and Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred. Franklin, who formerly served as Durham’s head coach, is presently working as an assistant coach with Islamabad United in the PSL.

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Sunrisers, led by Aiden Markram, face a critical season with a potent roster of quicks that includes Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Pat Cummins, and young prospects such as Umran Malik. The team’s recent problems, finishing eighth in 2022 and dropping to tenth last year, provide a challenge to the coaching staff.

The constant shift of leadership has played a major role in Sunrisers’ decline. The departure of Tom Moody in favour of Brian Lara last season aroused suspicions, but Lara was ousted after just one season. The departure of veteran Kane Williamson before of the 2023 player auction signified a big transition, leaving Markram to lead the charge.