Dale Steyn, a former South African paceman, is expected to join Sunrisers Hyderabad as bowling coach, with Tom Moody returning as head coach. After a less-than-stellar performance in the just ended IPL 2021, Trevor Bayliss and Brad Haddin have stepped down. Steyn, who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket earlier this year, played for the Deccan Chargers when they were known as the Hyderabad club. The talks are understood to be ongoing. Meanwhile, the team’s head coach, Tom Moody, is poised to be reappointed. In 2016, he led them to the championship. The franchise had a bad season, finishing last in the team standings, and wishes to return to Moody’s ways, which took them to the championship. Surprisingly, it was David Warner who led the club that season, which happened to be at a fork in the path.
After mentor VVS Laxman stepped down to become the next NCA Chief, the franchise is in need of personnel. “With 439 wickets in 93 Tests at an average of 22.95, the South African is regarded as one of the best fast bowlers of all time. He will be working alongside Tom Moody, who will take over as the franchise’s head coach. Steyn has 97 wickets in the IPL, having played 125 ODIs (196 wickets) and 47 T20Is (64 wickets). He has also represented Deccan Chargers, Gujarat Lions, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. He did not respond to a message, but an IPL person familiar with the situation confirmed talks. Hemang Badani, a former India and Tamil Nadu all-rounder, is also expected to join the Hyderabad coaching staff, according to Cricbuzz.
The IPL will have ten teams in 2022, with two new franchises, Lucknow and Ahmedabad, joining the existing eight. A big auction will precede it, which will take place in late December or early January.