Former India fast bowler Varun Aaron has been named the new bowling coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Aaron takes over from New Zealand’s James Franklin, who previously held the position.
This marks Aaron’s first coaching assignment after he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in January this year. The 35-year-old will now be part of a support staff team led by head coach Daniel Vettori.
Since mid-2024, Aaron has been working as a consultant with young pace bowlers at the MRF Pace Academy in Chennai, an institution that played a key role in shaping his career. Aaron made his domestic breakthrough with Jharkhand during the 2010-11 season and was known for his raw pace.
Aaron’s international career was affected by recurring stress fractures, limiting him to nine Tests and nine ODIs. His last appearance for India came in a Test match against South Africa in Bengaluru in November 2015. One of the most talked-about moments of his career was a bouncer he bowled to England’s Stuart Broad during the 2014 tour, which resulted in a broken nose for Broad.
In the IPL, Aaron represented multiple franchises including Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab and Gujarat Titans. He played 52 matches and claimed 44 wickets at an economy rate of 8.93. His final season as a player came in 2022 when he was part of Gujarat Titans’ title-winning campaign.
Aaron now looks to share his experience and help groom Sunrisers Hyderabad’s bowling attack for the 2026 season.