Sunrisers Hyderabad have appointed former India fast bowler Varun Aaron as their new bowling coach for IPL 2026.
They announced the news on social media, calling him “a fiery addition” to the team.
With Pat Cummins still at the helm, SRH seem to be working behind the scenes to fix what went wrong in 2025.
Aaron replaces James Franklin and it’s clear the team wants a fresh start after a poor season.
Varun Aaron has plenty of IPL experience. He made his debut in 2011 for Delhi Daredevils and later played for RCB, KXIP (now Punjab Kings), Rajasthan Royals, KKR and Gujarat Titans.
His last appearance was for GT in the 2022 season where he played just 2 games but won a winner’s medal.
Internationally, he played 9 Tests and 9 ODIs for India and picked up 29 wickets. Injuries cut short what looked like a promising career but he was always known for his pace and aggression.
SRH finished 6th in IPL 2025. It was a disappointing season after being runners-up the previous year.
They showed some late fight especially when they beat eventual champions RCB towards the end of the league stage but overall the season didn’t live up to expectations.
By bringing in Aaron, SRH seem to be revamping their bowling department. He’s someone who understands modern day fast bowling, has seen the pressures of IPL from inside the dressing room.
And has worked under various high profile captains across teams. All this gives him an edge in terms of understanding team dynamics.
Looking at the bigger picture, this seems like a smart and timely decision. Aaron is not just a former player; he’s someone who has been in the system recently.
That gives him a better connect with the younger bowlers in the squad. His journey from a fast rising talent to someone who had to battle injuries and comebacks also brings valuable life lessons for any young cricketer.
The only question is about his coaching experience. This is his first major assignment and in a league like the IPL where pressure is non-stop, that can be tricky.
But SRH needed a change and sometimes fresh blood with hunger and energy can be more impactful than experience alone. Aaron fits that role well.
SRH are rebuilding after a poor 2025 season. They are betting on energy, intent and relatability with the addition of Varun Aaron.
He may not be a big coaching name yet but he knows the league, he understands pace and most importantly he knows the challenges young bowlers face today.
If he clicks quickly and connects with the players, this could be one of SRH’s smartest off-field moves ahead of IPL 2026.
