Sunrisers Hyderabad’s resurgence with the ball took center stage in their clash with Delhi Capitals, but apart from the result, it was Sakib Hussain’s assessment of Varun Aaron that stood out. The SRH bowling coach pointed out the key quality that made the young pacer such a valuable asset in their recent turnaround.
In defending a massive 243, SRH once again relied on discipline and variation rather than just tempo. While Eshan Malinga grabbed the limelight with four wickets, Hussain quietly bowled another impressive spell, returning figures of 1/29 in his four overs and ensuring that Delhi never really gained control of the chase.
SRH vs DC, IPL 2026: MAIN | SCORECARD
It was a concerted bowling effort on a bats-friendly surface, with SRH using slower balls and clever changes of pace to disrupt the rhythm. Hussain’s role in this plan is increasingly important, especially in the middle games where control often dictates the game.
Speaking after the match, Aaron highlighted exactly what makes the youngster stand out in modern T20 cricket.
“With Sakib, the slower ball is just brilliant. He has almost the same spin on it as an off-spinner. He has the same arm speed, does his yorkers and can bowl 140 plus. You need that variation in today’s game – to go from 140-145 down to almost 107,” Aaron said.
However, SRH’s bowling story has not always been this controlled. They struggled badly at the start of the season, especially against Punjab Kings where they failed to defend 220. This game forced a rethink, leading to the axing of experienced names like Jaydev Unadkat and Harshal Patel and opening the door for younger options like Hussain.
From this shift, SRH found a rhythm and their bowling began to complement their already explosive batting, helping them string together a strong run of results.
WHAT SRH DID TO MULDER SAKIB HUSSAIN
Aaron revealed that too Hussain’s rise is not sudden but the result of consistent work behind the scenes.
“I’ve been seeing Shakib for almost two years now. He’s always had pace – very quick arm action and a clumsy style. As a batsman, especially at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, if you bowl 140 plus with a smooth action, you can easily line up. You need something different and his slower ball is excellent.” Those skills were always there, but he didn’t have access to a long-term coach.
SRH have invested time in honing these basic skills. “He has put in a lot of work over the last few months. We have had specific camps for him since the World Cup. He spent five days in Mumbai, then we called him to Chennai where we worked closely with him. A lot of behind-the-scenes work has been done since the auction,” added Aaron.
But for Aaron, the biggest difference lies in Hussain’s mindset.
“He’s responded really well. Most importantly, he’s got the will and the hunger. You can have all the skills in the world, but if you don’t have the drive and desire to improve, it doesn’t matter,” he said.
With SRH now finding answers with the ball, Hussain’s development could be a key factor in how far they go this season.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
22 Apr 2026 08:09 IST
