Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is set for a change at the coaching helm as Daniel Vettori steps in to replace Brian Lara as the head coach of the IPL franchise.
With a dynamic coaching journey that includes stints at various levels of cricket, Vettori's appointment comes with a blend of experience and expertise.
Vettori's previous engagement as the head coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from 2014 to 2018 makes him no stranger to the demands of the IPL. His tenure with RCB saw them securing playoff berths in 2015 and even advancing to the final in 2016, an encounter where they were defeated by none other than Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Vettori's cricketing acumen, honed over years of playing and coaching, has earned him a reputable standing in the cricketing fraternity.
SRH have undergone major changes on the coaching role in recent years
This transition marks SRH's fourth change in head coach within the span of six seasons. The franchise's pursuit of the right coaching formula has seen them previously entrusting Tom Moody in 2019 and 2022, followed by Trevor Bayliss in 2020 and 2021. Lara's one-season stint in 2023 was then succeeded by Vettori, indicating the franchise's proactive approach in finding the right leader for their team.
Also read: Andy Flower announced as new RCB head coach
Lara's tenure as the head coach coincided with a challenging phase for SRH. Despite his arrival, the team encountered hurdles, finishing at the bottom of the IPL points table in the tenth position with four wins and ten losses. This outcome prompted the management to take swift action in ushering in a change, leading to Vettori's appointment.
Vettori, currently the head coach of the Birmingham Phoenix men's team in The Hundred, has been simultaneously contributing to the Australia men's national side as an assistant coach since May 2022. His diverse coaching portfolio extends to various leagues and teams, including the Barbados Royals in the CPL, Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, Middlesex in the Vitality Blast, and a role as a spin-bowling consultant for the Bangladesh men's national team.
SRH have been very mediocre in the IPL for the last three seasons
SRH's recent performances in the IPL have been below par, with only 13 wins and 29 losses since IPL 2021. Their triumphant title-winning campaign in 2016 feels distant as they grapple to recapture the playoff form they consistently maintained from 2016 to 2020.
As they enter a new season, SRH places their hopes on Vettori's leadership and the captaincy of Aiden Markram, aspiring to break the three-season streak of finishing outside the top four.
The forthcoming IPL season of 2024 is witnessing several significant coaching appointments, with Justin Langer assuming the role of head coach for Lucknow Super Giants, and Andy Flower joining RCB in a similar capacity.
These coaching changes reflect the evolving landscape of IPL teams striving to reshape their strategies and fortunes for the challenges ahead.
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As the stage is set for yet another action-packed season, SRH embarks on a journey to resurrect their fortunes under the guidance of Daniel Vettori, aiming to reignite the spark that once propelled them to the pinnacle of the IPL.
