IPL: RCB part ways with Mike Hesson, Sanjay Bangar; Andy Flower is new head coach

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have parted ways with their coaches Mike Hesson and Sanjay Bangar, the team announced on Friday (August 4). Andy Flower has been announced as the head head coach of RCB.

RCB, who have not won the IPL title in 16 years of the Twenty20 league, commended Hesson and Bangar for their professionalism and work ethics.

Also read: IPL 2023: Full list of award winners, prize money details, records, stats

“Their professionalism and work ethics have always been held in high regard. A number of youngsters were given a platform to learn and succeed in the last four years,” RCB said in a Twitter post.

Hesson was RCB’s Director of Cricket Operations while Bangar was the head coach.

Also read: IPL 2023: Inconsistency, banking on batting troika, middle order woes did RCB in, again

In IPL 2023, RCB had failed to quaifly for the playoffs.

RCB’s new coach Flower was recently with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and his two-year contract ended with IPL 2023.

Also read: IPL 2023: RCB knocked out despite Kohli’s record ton; Gill’s 104 gives GT win

Flower 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 (Stadium) 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,” he added.

“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,” stated Hesson.

“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,” commented Bangar.

Also read: IPL 2023 | RCB vs GT: Kohli’s fans abuse Gill, his sister on social media

We are beyond thrilled to welcome 𝗜𝗖𝗖 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿 and 𝗧𝟮𝟬 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗽 winning coach 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐲 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 as the 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 of RCB Men’s team. 🤩🙌

Andy’s experience of coaching IPL & T20 teams around the world, and leading his teams to titles… pic.twitter.com/WsMYGCkcYT

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) August 4, 2023

We thank 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧 and 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐫 for their commendable work during the stints as 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 and 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 of RCB. 🙌#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB @CoachHesson pic.twitter.com/Np2fLuRdC0

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) August 4, 2023