James Franklin Poised to Replace Dale Steyn as Sunrisers Hyderabad Bowling Coach in IPL 2024
Former New Zealand left-arm pacer, James Franklin, is reportedly set to step into the role of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bowling coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, commencing on March 22. Dale Steyn, the former South African fast bowler who assumed the position of SRH bowling coach in 2022, has requested time off for personal reasons.
“We are in talks with him (Franklin) as Dale Steyn will not be available for this season,” disclosed an IPL source to PTI, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Although Franklin, aged 43, previously showcased his cricketing prowess as a player for Mumbai Indians during the 2011 and 2021 seasons, this marks his debut coaching stint in the IPL.
Nevertheless, Franklin brings coaching experience from his tenure with Durham in English county cricket and as an assistant coach with the Pakistan Super League team, Islamabad United.
Joining SRH, Franklin will reunite with his former teammate Daniel Vettori, who assumed the role of the team’s head coach post IPL 2023. The duo has previously collaborated at Middlesex in county cricket and with Birmingham Phoenix in the Hundred tournament.
Franklin’s international cricket career saw him represent New Zealand in 31 Tests, 110 ODIs, and 38 T20Is between 2001 and 2013, adding depth and experience to his coaching credentials.