Brian Lara, Simon Katich among SRH's new-look support staff

Brian Lara will be SRH's strategic advisor and batting coach. © Getty
Legendary West Indies batsman Brian Lara has been signed on by Sunrisers Hyderabad as the franchise's strategic advisor and batting coach. Lara joins a new-look support staff that also sees the addition of former India cricketer Hemang Badani in a dual role of fielding coach and scout. And as reported on December 16, Dale Steyn will join the franchise as the team's bowling coach.

Apart from Steyn, Lara and Badani, the Hyderabad franchise has also roped in Simon Katich as an assistant coach. The former Australia batsman most recently served as the head coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore before pulling out of the UAE leg of IPL 2021 for personal reasons. The 46-year-old Katich replaces compatriot Brad Haddin, who was the assistant coach of the franchise.

The sweeping changes to the backroom staff at SRH come in the wake of a dismal 2021 season in which the team finished bottom of the standings after having made the playoffs in each of the five seasons before that. Subsequently, the franchise parted ways with head coach Trevor Bayliss, who has been replaced in the position by Tom Moody.

VVS Laxman had to quit after joining the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore. The 2016 Champions have, however, retained Muttiah Muralitharan in their support staff. The Lankan legend, who had been acting hitherto as the mentor of the franchise, has been designated as strategy and spin bowling coach.

CVC clearance to come soon

Meanwhile, as has been reported by this website, CVC Sports is expected to get the all-clear from the BCCI soon. The perception in the IPL is that the matter has been settled and only the franchise agreement waits to be signed between the regulator (BCCI) and the stakeholder (CVC). Those privy to the developments say things will move once the signed papers from the external committee formed to look into the businesses of the American Venture Capital firm are received by the board. The oral go-ahead is believed to have been given by the panel, which featured a retired judge of the Supreme Court.

Cricbuzz also understands that Gary Kirsten, the coach of 2011 World Cup-winning coach of India, is in the race to be part of the support staff of the Ahmedabad team just as Ashish Nehra, a former India bowler, who was also part of that all-conquering Indian side of 2011. Former England batsman Vikram Solanki may also feature in their coaching staff. CVC had previously held talks with recent India coaches - Ravi Shastri, Bharat Arun and R Sridhar. A final decision is expected after the American investment firm signs on the dotted lines.