Andy Flower Appointed as RCB Head Coach; Sanjay Bangar & Mike Hesson Released from Duties

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have signed former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower as their head coach for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. The announcement was made on Friday morning, minutes after the franchise confirmed parting ways with former coach Sanjay Bangar and Director of Cricket Operations, Mike Hesson.

In a heartwarming post, the RCB welcomed Flower who has been a renowned coach not just in IPL but also in the international circuit.

“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,” the RCB tweeted.

“Andy’s experience of coaching IPL & T20 teams around the world, and leading his teams to titles at the PSL, ILT20, The Hundred and Abu Dhabi T10 will help in developing a championship winning mindset and take RCB’s #PlayBold philosophy forward,” it added.

Meanwhile, the RCB also confirmed that former head coach Sanjay Bangar and director of cricket operations, Mike Hesson were released from their duties.

“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,” said Andy Flower, the newly appointed Head Coach of RCB.

“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.

“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.

Flower joins RCB after serving as the coach of the Lucknow Super Giants in the last two IPL editions. Last month, he was released from his duties as the Lucknow-based franchise roped in former Australia opening batter Justin Langer for the job.

“Dear Andy, Today it’s farewell, but it’ll never be goodbye because you’ll always be one of our own. Thank you for everything,” LSG’s tweet read.

Flower guided LSG to 3rd place finishes in the 2022 and 2023 editions. Before joining the Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchise, the former cricketer worked with Punjab Kings as an assistant coach for two seasons.

He also served as England’s coach and has been one of the best. Flower guided the Three Lions to three consecutive Ashes wins, including victories in 2009 and 2013 at home, and in 2010-11 Down Under.