Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Friday (August 4) parted ways with their Director of Cricket Operations, Mike Hesson and head coach, Sanjay Bangar. The franchise also named Andy Flower as its new head coach of the Men's team.
RCB under Hesson and Bangar, qualified for the playoffs in three of the last four seasons but the trophy continued to elude them as they failed to make the final on each of the three occasions. It was widely speculated that the franchise would move on from both ahead of the IPL 2024 season, which has now been officially confirmed.
The contracts of Hesson, and Bangar, were up for renewal in September but the franchise decided to move on from the duo. Rajesh Menon, vice-president and head of RCB, met Flower in London for discussions before getting him on board.
“I would like to thank the RCB management, players, support staff and the fans for a journey filled with moments that I will forever cherish.” Mike Hesson said in a statement.
Bangar stated: “I have had an incredible journey with the franchise. Working with this remarkable team and being part of the RCB has been a rewarding experience.”
New RCB head coach Andy Flower, who was previously the head coach of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the last two seasons, said he was proud and honoured to be joining the franchise.
“I am really proud to be joining RCB. I’m truly honoured to represent a franchise of their size, reputation and standing. RCB have an unrivalled fan following and I can’t wait to fully experience the atmosphere in the Chinnaswamy next season,”
“I recognise the work put in by Mike Hesson and Sanjay Bangar, who are two coaches I respect, and I look forward to the challenge of taking RCB to new heights. I’m particularly excited to be reunited with Faf. We have worked very well together in the past and I look forward to forging our partnership and relationship into something bigger and better.
“We have an exciting roster of players to work with, and I recognise and will relish both the amazing opportunity with RCB but also the responsibility that comes with the role. It is a great challenge, and I can’t wait to get started”, said Flower in a official statement released by the franchise.
(With The Indian Express/PTI inputs)
