Simon Helmot Steps Down as Melbourne Renegades Coach
Melbourne Renegades coach Simon Helmot has made the decision to step down from his role after five years at the helm of the T20 franchise. His departure marks another significant change in the Australian cricket landscape, with the team now seeking a new head coach.
Helmot took over as the head coach of the Renegades in 2021 and quickly made an impact, guiding the team to a second-place finish in his first season. However, it was in 2024 that he truly cemented his legacy, leading the women’s team to their first-ever WBBL title by defeating the Brisbane Heat in the final. This achievement highlighted his ability to build successful teams and create a positive environment both on and off the field.
“Simon has been an extraordinary Renegades person for a long time, and someone who has given so much to our club,” said Renegades General Manager James Rosengarten in a statement. “He’s not only delivered success on the field but has had a profound impact on the people and the environment around him.”
Helmot is currently working in India as an assistant under head coach Daniel Vettori at the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, where men’s Test skipper Pat Cummins is also captain. Despite this new opportunity, the Renegades have decided to part ways with Helmot just 18 months after he led them to their historic WBBL victory.
The decision to move on was made with the full blessing of the Melbourne franchise, recognizing the significant contributions Helmot has made to the club and the broader Victorian cricket community. His leadership, connection with players, staff, and fans, and the care he brings to his work have left a lasting mark on the program.
Three T20 Sides Seeking New Coaches
Helmot’s departure means three Australian T20 franchises are now looking for new head coaches. The Sixers and Thunder men’s sides are yet to fill their respective vacancies, adding to the excitement and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming seasons.
Greg Shipperd, the long-time NSW mentor, was recently controversially axed from his role despite guiding the Sixers to this year’s BBL final and winning the One-Day Cup with the Blues. Meanwhile, the Thunder parted ways with coach Trevor Bayliss after five years in charge of the men’s T20 side.
Cricket NSW recently appointed former Australia Test star Brad Haddin to take over the Blues’ One-Day Cup and Sheffield Shield sides from Shipperd. However, Haddin will not be leading the Sixers or Thunder in the BBL.
Several names have been linked with the Sixers job, including former Australian women’s coach Matthew Mott and white-ball allrounder James Hopes. For the Thunder role, Aussie great Shane Watson and former T20 specialist Dan Christian are among the frontrunners.
As the cricketing world looks ahead, the search for new coaches will be crucial in shaping the future of these franchises. With experienced and talented candidates in the running, the coming months promise to be an exciting time for Australian T20 cricket.
