Former India player Varun Aaron has been roped in as the new bowling coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad for the Indian Premier League season 2026, the franchise announced on Monday. Aaron will take over from former New Zealand left-arm quick James Franklin.
“A fiery addition to our coaching staff! Welcome Varun Aaron as our new bowling coach,” SRH announced on their X account. Aaron who has represented India in 9 Tests and 9 ODIs had announced his retirement as an active cricketer in January.
Aaron has played nine seasons of the IPL between 2011 and 2022, turning out for with Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans. In his final season, he won the title with Gujarat Titans in 2022.
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
Aaron made his international debut in an ODI against England in Mumbai in 2011 and then followed it up with a Test debut against the West Indies in the same venue and in the same year.
Before his India call-up, Aaron caught the eyes of the cricketing world when he bowled a 153kph delivery against Gujarat in the 2010-11 Vijay Hazare Trophy final. With his ability to constantly bowl over 150kph caught the attention of the Indian team management.
One of the most infamous moments in an Indian jersey was when his bouncer broke England’s Stuart Broad’s nose in a Test in 2014.
Despite not making the Indian team since 2015, Aaron continued to bowl in domestic cricket. He picked 141 wickets at an average of 26.47 and an economy rate of 5.44 in 88 List A matches. He also snared 93 wickets at an economy rate of 8.53 in the 95 T20s he played.
Aaron’s last competitive match was a Vijay Hazare Trophy game for Jharkhand against Goa at Jaipur on January 5 earlier this year. However, Aaron brought curtains down on his playing career after Jharkhand failed to enter the knockout stages of the domestic 50-over competition.
