According to recent reports, RCB has reportedly decided to let go of head coach Sanjay Bangar and Director of Cricket Operations Mike Hesson. During the past five seasons, the duo played a crucial role in RCB’s coaching team, leading the franchise to secure IPL playoff berths on three occasions – in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Unfortunately, RCB’s quest for a maiden IPL title was prolonged as they failed to reach the final four in the 2023 season. Led by Faf du Plessis, the team finished fifth in the points table, suffering a dramatic exit on the final day of the league stage against the Gujarat Titans (GT). Sanjay Bangar, who previously served as a coach for the Punjab Kings and the Indian cricket team, initially joined RCB as a consultant ahead of the 2021 season. He was later promoted to the role of head coach in 2022.
Mike Hesson was appointed as RCB’s Director of Cricket Operations in 2019, having previously been the head coach of the Punjab franchise before his resignation in the same year. Both Bangar and Hesson have closely worked with RCB captain Virat Kohli, supporting him through ups and downs during their tenures. They also played crucial roles in auction strategies and player recruitment.
RCB is actively searching for fresh faces to join their coaching team
However, according to the Indian Express report, the RCB management is keen to bring in new faces with fresh ideas, leading to the decision to part ways with the coaching duo. The report further mentions that RCB is deliberating on the future of bowling coach Adam Griffith.
The management has yet to determine whether they will appoint an Indian coach or consider an overseas candidate for the head coaching position. Other IPL teams, including Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI), have made changes to their coaching personnel ahead of the 2023 season.
Chandrakant Pandit and Mark Boucher have taken charge as head coaches for KKR and MI, respectively. Additionally, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have appointed Justin Langer as their new head coach, replacing Andy Flower.
Mike Hesson is reportedly exploring new opportunities within the cash-rich league. Given his credentials as a coach, he could be a strong contender for coaching roles in the IPL. The decisions to part ways with Bangar and Hesson signify RCB’s desire for a fresh approach and a potential revamp of their coaching setup.
As the team looks ahead to the next season, it will be interesting to see who will fill the coaching positions and steer RCB towards their long-awaited IPL triumph.
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