IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) recently parted ways with Andy Flower and signed former Australia opener Justin Langer as their head coach.
According to a Cricbuzz report, other franchises such as Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are also looking for a change as far as the top position in the support staff is concerned.
The report further claims Flower is among the contenders for the Royals coaching job while he is also in talks with another team. However, Sri Lanka batting legend Kumar Sangakkara will remain RR’s Director of Cricket but not in the dual role as he was in the last two years.
Andy Flower’s CV as a coach is a highly accomplished one. He had coached England to the T20 World Cup title in 2010 and also guided them to No. 1 spot in Test rankings. Under him, LSG qualified for the playoffs in 2022 and 2023 seasons. Earlier, he was associated with Punjab Kings (PBKS) as assistant coach for two seasons
As head coach in franchise cricket, Flower won title with the Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League, Gulf Giants in the inaugural International League T20 and the Trent Rockets in The Hundred. Under him, LSG qualified for the playoffs in both seasons.
On the other hand, SRH finished the IPL 2023 season in the last position and are on the lookout for the new coach as well. The report stated that Brian Lara, who played the role of SRH’s head coach in the 16th edition, is likely to part ways as the franchise is not happy with his coaching style.
Another franchise that might overhaul its backroom staff ahead of the IPL 2024 is Royal Challengers Bangalore. The report suggests that RCB have decided not to renew the contracts of Director of Cricket Mike Hesson and head coach Sanjay Bangar.
Hesson joined RCB before IPL 2020 while Bangar was roped in as batting consultant by the franchise in 2021. Bangar was named RCB’s head coach for IPL 2022 and 2023 seasons.
RCB endured a disappointing campaign in the IPL 2023 season, finishing at the sixth position in the points table with 7 wins from 14 matches.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
