Daniel Vettori prioritises IPL 2025 mega auction over the first BGT Test

A significant update has emerged from the Kangaroos' den ahead of the opening Test of the highly-anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy. The team's bowling coach and former New Zealand player, Daniel Vettori will leave the side midway through the first clash. The Border Gavaskar series is scheduled to start on November 22 with Australia hosting India at Perth. However, slated to unfold amidst the Perth Test is the exciting IPL 2025 mega auction. The auction will be held across November 24 and 25 in Jeddah. Vettori, an elemental figure in the SRH camp will depart from Perth to join the Hyderabad table in Jeddah at the IPL auction. 

Australian bowling coach to leave the team midway in the opening BGT Test to attend IPL 2025 mega auction

Australia's bowling coach Daniel Vettori will comply to his duties as the SRH head coach during the first BGT Test. The former Kiwi bowler will depart from Perth to join the SRH management in Saudi Arabia for the IPL 2025 mega auction on November 24 and 25. Meanwhile, Australia, who are on the lookout to end India's 10-year long claim on the BGT, will play the opening Test against the vistors at the Optus Stadium in Perth. An Australia team spokesperson, informed about Vettori's departure and expressed CA's 'support' for Vettori's decision.

"We are very supportive of Dan's role as Head Coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad," an Australia team spokesperson told. "Dan will complete final preparation for the first Test before attending the IPL auction. He will then be with team for the remainder of the Border Gavaskar Trophy."

Vettori is not the only one facing the dilemma. This scheduling clash has posed challenges for three IPL coaches involved in the Test series, Vettori, Ricky Ponting, and Justin Langer. Langer and Ponting will be expected to head to Jeddah, leaving behind their commentary roles during the first Test. While Langer and Ponting's absence would not directly affect the Kangaroos, Vettori's absence is a rather shocking update. Vettori is among the few global coaches balancing a permanent assistant role with an international team, a full-time head coach position with an IPL franchise, and a similar role in The Hundred with Birmingham Phoenix.

Since taking on the role in 2022, Vettori has been a key figure in Australia's coaching staff, working across all formats alongside head coach Andrew McDonald. Although Vettori has missed certain series in the past due to franchise obligations, this marks the first instance of him leaving a Test match midway to attend the IPL auction. In 2023, he managed to balance his commitments by flying to India for the auction between matches during a series against Pakistan.