In an attempt to stir their support staff before the 2026 Indian Premier League season, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) officially appointed Varun Aaron as their new SRH bowling coach, the franchise announced on Monday. The 35-year-old ex-India fast bowler takes over from James Franklin, who served in the position for the last two seasons.
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SRH New Bowling Coach
This is Aaron’s maiden foray into coaching following his pre-season retirement and comes after his recent shift into cricket commentary and media analysis. The franchise will be pinning their hopes on his passion and expertise to reboot what was a deeply inconsistent SRH bowling performance last season.
A fiery addition to our coaching staff! Welcome Varun Aaron as our new bowling coach 🔥🧡#PlayWithFire pic.twitter.com/qeg1bWntC5
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) July 14, 2025
Why SRH Parted Ways with James Franklin?
SRH’s move to release James Franklin was motivated by a series of uninspiring bowling performances during the 2025 IPL campaign. Heralded once for their disciplined and lethal bowling unit, a department that once defined the franchise, SRH was unable to recreate that identity over the last couple of years.
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Even though they had made some important acquisitions before the season, such as overseas pace options and exciting Indian seamers, the team’s bowling performance was poor in terms of rhythm, strategy, and cohesion. Under the guidance of the then SRH bowling coach, their attack recorded the worst economy rate in the last five overs among all teams during the league phase, frequently losing matches that were well within their control.
Franklin, a retired New Zealand left-arm pacer, had signed up for SRH with expectations of guiding a youthful fast-bowling core and restoring the team’s bowling heritage. But within the organisation, it was felt that his coaching approach lacked imagination and wasn’t tailored enough to meet the demands of T20 cricket in India.
The bowlers were often left uncertain about their roles, with some shuffled between phases of the innings without clear planning. Spinners, too, were underutilised, either bowled too early or benched even on spin-friendly pitches. As a result, SRH bowling performance suffered, with the team frequently failing to defend totals and leaking runs at crucial moments.
Varun Aaron with Pat Cummins and Shami https://t.co/aTUYAppgu3 pic.twitter.com/ka1t6Lj8GG
— Harsha Royal (@EndukuBey) July 15, 2025
Since bowling was their Achilles’ heel and playoff aspirations were once again thwarted, the SRH administration realised things had to change. During post-season review meetings, it became clear that a change was needed, preferably spearheaded by someone who better understands the Indian T20 scenario. And that’s when Varun Aaron emerged as one of the top contenders for the SRH bowling coach position.
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Why SRH Chose Varun Aaron?
While most franchises go looking outside the country for coaching positions, Sunrisers Hyderabad took a big risk in trusting a homegrown player. Varun Aaron, who has had a relatively low-key exit from competitive cricket, has been known for being a smart fast bowler with a great sense of match conditions.
Varun Aaron was excellent as an expert in the commentary box. We are now looking forward to his guidance in strengthening our bowling department! pic.twitter.com/bxKI0mw5ht
— SunRisers OrangeArmy Official (@srhfansofficial) July 15, 2025
Despite being plagued with regular stress fractures that affected his career, Aaron remained one of India’s quickest bowlers in his prime, reaching speeds over 145 km/h regularly. More than sheer pace, though, Aaron’s greatest asset was his versatility, having played with several IPL teams and had different captains and coaching staffs.
A New Chapter Begins! Welcome Varun Aaron Our Bowling Coach for #SRH 🧡 pic.twitter.com/4HSbyE9p2P
— SunRisers OrangeArmy Official (@srhfansofficial) July 14, 2025
Aaron played in the IPL over nine seasons, representing Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). In 52 IPL games, he took 44 wickets and posted a career economy of 8.93. Those stats might not jump off the page, but it’s Aaron’s long-standing experience in the league, especially against domestic bowlers, that SRH noted.
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His stint with the Gujarat Titans, who claimed the title in their inaugural season in 2022 under Hardik Pandya, ranks as a standout career point in highlighting his experience of a winning environment and contemporary dressing room relationships.
Youthful Energy Coupled with Tactical Acumen
The role of the SRH bowling coach goes beyond technique; it’s about communication, motivation, and guiding young players through the mental demands of top-level cricket. At 35, Varun Aaron strikes the right balance: old enough to mentor, young enough to relate. His recent stint as a commentator has sharpened his tactical instincts, with insights into evolving T20 trends, match-ups, and death-over strategies. For a side like SRH, building a bowling unit around youth and experience, Aaron brings the right mix.
🚨 VARUN AARON – THE BOWLING COACH OF SRH 🚨 pic.twitter.com/ANy6xDOznk
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 14, 2025
His strong Jharkhand roots may have also influenced SRH’s choice. With India’s domestic scene producing raw pace from states like Jharkhand, Aaron’s understanding of their journey from promise to pressure adds value. His career, marked by potential, setbacks, and comebacks, makes him a relatable figure for young Indian pacers.
A Fresh Mind to Rebuild SRH’s Bowling Identity
The franchise believes Aaron’s blend of tactical awareness, commentary insights, and IPL experience will help elevate SRH bowling performance. He’s expected to work closely with the analytics team, apply data smartly, and build match-specific bowling strategies tailored to conditions and opponents.
Unlike his predecessor Franklin, Varun Aaron brings firsthand experience of Indian conditions, an advantage SRH sees as crucial in pressure situations. His connection with domestic players and a modern outlook on T20 bowling could be exactly what the team needs to rebuild.
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As IPL 2026 draws closer, the spotlight will be on Aaron and whether he can fix the cracks in SRH bowling performance. For a franchise eager to regain its reputation as a bowling powerhouse, this appointment reflects a belief in a fresh direction. Whether it pays off remains to be seen, but for now, SRH is banking on Varun Aaron to engineer a much-needed turnaround.
