Simon Katich Quits As Sunrisers Hyderabad's Assistant Coach, Helmot Named Replacement; Reports

The looming "long" and "controlled bio-bubble" environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have reportedly forced Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) assistant coach Simon Katich to part ways with the franchise.

The former Australian cricketer was present during the IPL mega auction held last week in Bengaluru.

A report in cricbuzz.com said on Friday that Australian Simon Helmot, who formerly coached Big Bash League (BBL) side Melbourne Renegades, had replaced Katich as SRH's assistant coach for the upcoming IPL season.

"He (Katich) would have been needed for two-and-half to three months here, including for the pre-IPL camps and he felt it was too long to be inside a controlled bio-bubble. He has also mentioned about family issues and we have agreed to release him," the report, quoting an SRH spokesperson, said.

The 50-year-old Helmot was part of the SRH coaching staff between 2012 and 2019 and was also associated with Caribbean Premier League (CPL) side Trinbago Knight Riders in 2015.

Katich had taken up the job of SRH assistant coach less than two months back. He has also been associated with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He had quit RCB ahead of the UAE leg "due to family issues", according to the report.

Katich, along with Australia's Tom Moody, West Indies great Brian Lara, former Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan and Hemang Badani were present during the two-day IPL mega auction.

SRH had failed to make an impact in IPL 2021, finishing last after five straight years of making the playoffs. Australian stalwart David Warner too was axed as captain after a string of poor performances during the India leg of the tournament. SRH also parted ways with coach Trevor Bayliss and assistant coach Brad Haddin at the end of the year.