Mike Hesson TATA IPL
Mike Hesson said that the impact player rule also influenced the auction strategy of the teams. IMG SRC: RCB

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has parted ways with their Director of cricket Mike Hesson after four long years. Not only this the franchise also removed Sanjay Banger as their batting coach after the team had another dismal outing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

Mike Hesson took charge of the team ahead of the IPL 2020 and under him team reached three successive playoffs. But failed to lift the title. On the other hand, Sanjay Banger was appointed as the batting coach for the team in 2022 the duo together did a decent job. 

Both Mike Hesson and Sanjay Banger’s contracts are slated to end in September 2023 and the franchise opted against renewing them. In their place, RCB has roped in former Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Andy Flower as the new head coach as they wanted him to have enough runway leading into the auction.

Andy Flower has had massive success as the coach. Under him, England won T20 World Cup in 2010 and in the leagues across the world, he has titles at the PSL (Multan Sultans), ILT20 (Gulf Giants), and the men’s Hundred (Trent Rockets). RCB would be hoping for him to change the fortunes of the team and bring them their first title. 

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Andy Flower was with Lucknow Super Giants in the last two seasons of the IPL. Under him team managed to reach the playoffs but his contract wasn’t renewed. He earlier worked with Punjab Kings in the league as well and did a decent job with them as well. 

IPL 2024: I look forward to forging our partnership and relationship into something bigger and better – Andy Flower on joining RCB

RCB
Andy Flower

There’s no official confirmation about till when RCB signed a contract with Andy Flower but he will be reunited with Faf du Plessis, whom he worked with earlier during his time with St Lucia Kings in the CPL. Talking about his appointment, he said in an official statement: 

“I recognise the work put in by Mike Hesson and Sanjay Bangar, who are two coaches I respect. I’m particularly excited to be reunited with Faf. We have worked very well together in the past I look forward to forging our partnership and relationship into something bigger and better.”

Andy Flower will be joining Adam Griffiths, who is the bowling coach along with S Sriram and Malolan Rangarajan, who is assistant coach and fielding coach respectively for the RCB.