Royal Challengers Bangalore, the 2016 IPL runners-up had recently sacked their head coach, former Kiwi captain Daniel Vettori, after he was unable to get the franchise any IPL silverware in his tenure of 4 years.  

Now it has been confirmed that Royal Challengers Bangalore have named South African Gary Kirsten as their head coach. Kirsten, who had joined the RCB franchise as the batting coach this year, was Team India’s head coach when they won the 2011 World Cup at home.

Kirsten, along with MS Dhoni, is credited for bringing Indian team much success and was Delhi Daredevils’ coach in IPL. Kirsten has scored close to 40,000 runs across all formats in close to 700 matches (ODI, Tests and First Class).

RCB is led by Virat Kohli and has former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra as the bowling coach.

Commenting on his appointment, Gary said: “I had the privilege of coaching with the RCB team last season under head coach Vettori and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I look forward to continuing the journey with RCB and doing my best to help the franchise reach its potential.”

“I want to thank the team management for considering me in a leadership position with the franchise and I look forward to a successful few years,” he added.

Moving on from RCB, Vettori said: “I am extremely grateful for the eight years I have spent with RCB, as a player and a coach, and I wish the franchise all the best moving forward.”

(with inputs from IANS)