Aditya ChaudhuriThe Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have announced Andy Flower as Head Coach of their men’s team.
As head coach, Flower has worked with both international and franchise cricket teams. In that time, he has won trophies across the Pakistan Super League, The Hundred and the International League T20. With the England men’s national cricket team, he went on to win The Ashes both home and away, won the T20I World Cup in 2010, and took his Test side to the #1 ranking in the world. He is also the first player from Zimbabwe to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
The Royal Challengers have also decided to not renew the contract of Director of Cricket Operations Mike Hesson and men’s team Head Coach Sanjay Bangar. The decision has been made on the back of an internal review conducted post the end of previous season.
Rajesh V Menon, Vice President & Head of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, commented:
“Andy [Flower] 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.”
Andy Flower, the newly-appointed Head Coach of the RCB men’s team, 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. 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 [du Plessis]. 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.“
Mike Hesson 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.“
Sanjay Bangar added:
“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.“
Prathmesh Mishra, Chief Commercial Officer of Diageo India and Chairman of the 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.“
