Legendary South African pacer Dale Steyn has announced his departure from Sunrisers Eastern Cape, marking the end of a highly successful three-year tenure as the franchise’s bowling coach in the SA20 league.
Steyn, who joined the coaching setup at the league’s inception in 2023, played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s bowling unit into a formidable force. Under his guidance, Sunrisers Eastern Cape secured back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024, and finished as runners-up in the 2025 season, solidifying their status as one of the league’s early powerhouses.
Confirming his exit on social media on Monday, the 42-year-old expressed heartfelt gratitude to the franchise.
“Massive thanks to Sunrisers EC,” Steyn posted on X (formerly Twitter). “It’s been a great pleasure working with you and the best management/coaching staff I’ve ever worked with. Three seasons and three finals — twice won, once runner-up — what more could one ask for. Loved it. All the best to the team for season 4.”
Steyn’s exit comes months after he also stepped down as bowling coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Initially appointed for the 2022 season, Steyn had opted out of IPL 2024 due to personal reasons. James Franklin filled in as interim coach, and SRH made an impressive run to the 2024 IPL final, their first since 2018, under head coach Daniel Vettori, before falling to Kolkata Knight Riders.
A modern-day great, Steyn’s contributions to the Sunrisers family — both in India and South Africa — span his days as a fierce competitor and a respected mentor. During his IPL career, he represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Lions, and Deccan Chargers, leaving a lasting impact in every stint.
While Steyn has yet to confirm his next professional move, his legacy as both a player and coach continues to inspire generations of fast bowlers around the world.
