Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), one of the most popular and star-studded teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), are set to overhaul their coaching staff ahead of the next season. The franchise has decided to part ways with Director of Cricket Mike Hesson and coach Sanjay Bangar, who have been associated with the team for five years.
RCB, who have never won the IPL trophy despite having some of the best players in the world, are looking for new coaches who can bring a fresh perspective and a winning mentality to the team. The team failed to qualify for the playoffs in the 2023 edition, finishing sixth in the points table.
Hesson and Bangar are known to have a good rapport with RCB captain and icon Virat Kohli, who has been leading the team since 2013. Hesson, a former New Zealand coach, joined RCB in 2019 as Director of Cricket and was also involved in the recruitment of players. Bangar, a former India batting coach, joined RCB in 2020 as head coach and was responsible for the team’s strategy and performance.
However, their efforts did not translate into success on the field, as RCB struggled to find consistency and balance in their playing XI. The team also suffered from injuries and unavailability of some key players due to international commitments.
It is not clear whether RCB will retain their current bowling coach Adam Griffith, who joined the team in 2020 along with Bangar. Griffith, a former Australia fast bowler, has been working with the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Harshal Patel and Kyle Jamieson, who have been impressive for RCB.
RCB are yet to announce their new coaching staff, but they are likely to face stiff competition from other franchises who are also looking to strengthen their backroom staff. Lucknow Super Giants, one of the two new teams in the IPL, have already roped in former Australia opener and coach Justin Langer as their head coach, replacing Andy Flower. Flower, a former Zimbabwe captain and England coach, is reportedly in talks with other teams and could remain in the IPL circuit.
RCB fans and followers will be hoping that their team can finally break their title drought in the next season with a new coaching set-up and a revamped squad. The team has some of the biggest names in cricket such as Kohli, AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell and Yuzvendra Chahal, but they need to perform as a unit and overcome their perennial weaknesses.
Will RCB finally lift the IPL trophy in 2024? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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