SRH Appoint Varun Aaron as Bowling Coach Ahead of IPL 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have roped in former India fast-bowler Varun Aaron as their bowling coach ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026). The team announced the news July 14, Monday, through their official social media handles. Aaron replaces New Zealand’s James Franklin, who had been part of the SRH coaching staff for the last two years.

For Aaron, this marks a fresh chapter in cricket, just a few months after he officially retired from all forms of the game. A quick and aggressive fast-bowler during his playing days, Aaron was known for his raw pace. 

He hung up his boots in January this year at the age of 35 after Jharkhand’s exit from the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

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SRH Name Varun Aaron as Bowling Coach, Part Ways with James Franklin Ahead of IPL 2026

Although retired, Aaron stayed close to the game. He was part of the commentary panel during IPL 2025 and worked as an expert with the official broadcaster. Now, he returns to the IPL in a new role, this time in the coaching set-up.

SRH made the announcement on social media with the following post:

With this appointment, Aaron becomes SRH’s third bowling coach in three years. He follows Dale Steyn and Franklin. SRH reached the IPL final in 2024 and will hope that Aaron’s experience can help them go one better in 2026.

Varun Aaron’s Career 

This won’t be Aaron’s first brush with the Indian Premier League. He played in the IPL for nine seasons and was part of five teams, Delhi Daredevils, now Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Gujarat Titans (GT). He won the IPL title with Gujarat Titans in 2022. In his IPL career, he featured in 52 matches and picked up 44 wickets with an economy of 8.94.

Known for his pace, Aaron was one of the fastest Indian bowlers during his time, although injuries limited his international career. He played 18 matches for India, nine ODIs and as many Tests. 

Overall, Aaron played 95 T20s in his career and took 93 wickets. As a coach, he will now look to guide the next generation of fast-bowlers and make his mark off the field.

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