In a significant development within the cricketing sphere, Dale Steyn, the former South African fast bowling sensation, has announced that he will be stepping away from his role as the bowling coach for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. This revelation was confirmed late on the night of October 16, via Steyn’s post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. While cricket enthusiasts will miss Steyn’s tactical acumen and mentoring presence in the Indian cricket scene, he has assured fans that his journey with the Sunrisers franchise is not entirely over. Steyn will continue his association with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 league as they strive for a historic three-peat after clinching the title in the league’s inaugural editions.
“A big thank you to Sunrisers Hyderabad for the wonderful years I spent with them as a bowling coach in the IPL,” Steyn shared in his heartfelt statement. “Regrettably, I will not be returning for the IPL 2025 season. However, my work with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape here in South Africa continues. With two championship titles already, we’re aiming for a third successive victory.”
Dale Steyn’s illustrious association with the Sunrisers began when he played for the franchise, and he was appointed as the bowling coach ahead of the 2022 season. In this capacity, Steyn worked diligently, contributing significantly to the team by nurturing talents like Umran Malik. During his tenure in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Steyn was crucial to Malik’s development, helping the young pacer hone his skills and gain recognition for his extraordinary speed and control. Unfortunately, Steyn had to miss the 2024 edition of the IPL due to personal commitments.
In 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad underwent a substantial restructuring of their coaching staff, bringing in former New Zealand cricketer Daniel Vettori to guide the team. Despite these changes, Steyn remained a valued member of the coaching team.
. However, with his recent withdrawal, Sunrisers have moved swiftly to appoint James Franklin, the ex-New Zealand all-rounder, as Steyn’s successor. Franklin’s familiarity with Vettori, stemming from their collaboration in the Hundred tournament with the Birmingham Phoenix, might prove advantageous as the team gears up for the IPL 2025 season.
Simultaneously, SRH is on the brink of finalizing their player retentions ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2025 mega auction. Sources indicate that Heinrich Klaasen is poised to be retained as a top-tier player for a hefty INR 23 crore. The current skipper, Pat Cummins, is expected to follow suit with a retention for INR 18 crore, alongside Abhishek Sharma for INR 14 crore. Reports suggest that Travis Head and Nitish Kumar Reddy are likely to round out the pre-auction retention list for SRH.
The strategic planning and tactical decisions made by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming season will surely attract keen attention from fans and analysts alike. The impending mega auction is anticipated to reshape the team as they look forward to not just contending but dominating in the 2025 IPL season. Meanwhile, Dale Steyn’s continued involvement with Sunrisers Eastern Cape reflects his enduring passion for cricket and dedication to the game. As the SA20 franchise targets a third consecutive championship victory, Steyn’s expertise and commitment will be pivotal in overcoming challenges and achieving historic success.
In a cricketing world where strategies and coaching play an increasingly vital role, Dale Steyn’s exit from SRH marks both the end of a chapter and the continuation of an exciting journey. His transition signifies not only a shift in the landscape of the IPL but also an opportunity for emerging talent under his mentorship to thrive and make their mark on the world stage. Fans and fellow players alike will surely wish Steyn success as he continues to contribute to cricket in a new capacity, underscoring the ever-evolving nature of this beloved sport.
