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Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Friday, announced Andy Flower as the franchise’s new head coach, replacing the outgoing Sanjay Bangar.
As reported earlier, RCB also confirmed their decision against renewing the contracts of Director of Cricket Operations, Mike Hesson and head coach, Bangar.
Flower comes into the RCB setup with a wealth of experience under his belt. His coaching tenure grabbed eyeballs after guiding the England cricket team to a T20 World Cup triumph in 2010 and achieving three back-to-back Ashes series wins from 2009-2013.
Flower had earlier served as the head coach at Lucknow Super Giants since the franchise became a part of the IPL in 2022. LSG made back-to-back playoffs in their first two years. In July, he was replaced by Justin Langer, the former Australia coach. Prior to his stint with LSG, Flower had been associated with Punjab Kings in the IPL.
The Zimbabwean also boasts of a fantastic track record in franchise-based cricket, having guided the Multan Sultans (PSL), Trent Rockets (The Hundred), Maratha Arabians (Abu Dhabi T10) and Gulf Giants (ILT20) to title wins.
The first Zimbabwean to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, Flower’s range of success, especially in T20 cricket, makes him a vital addition to the RCB management as they look to build towards the IPL 2024 season.
On the occasion Prathmesh Mishra, Chief Commercial Officer, Diageo India, and Chairman of RCB, said, “We would like to thank Mike Hesson and Sanjay Bangar for their excellent work in the past four seasons culminating in three play-offs. Their professionalism and work ethics have always been held in high regard. They leave us with a legacy of having given several young players the confidence to show their ability at the highest stage. On behalf of RCB, I would like to wish both of them all the best for their future endeavours and welcome Andy Flower to take the baton forward to achieve greater heights with RCB.”
On the appointment of Head Coach, Rajesh V Menon, Vice President & Head of Royal Challengers Bangalore said, “Andy is one of the best coaches in the game today. He has inspired players in leagues across the world. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome him to Royal Challengers Bangalore. His track record of success is ideal to take RCB forward.”
Flower, 55, expressed his excitement at linking up with RCB and said, “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.”
On Hesson and Bangar, the Zimbabwean quipped, “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.”
Finally, the newly-appointed RCB head coach also shed some light on the existing squad and said, “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.”
Hesson, who joined RCB in 2019 in the role of Director of Cricket Operations said, “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.”
Bangar, who was roped in as a batting consultant in 2021 before moving into the role of head coach ahead of the 2022 season said, “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. I wish the players, the management and the entire RCB team all the best.”
