News: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has named former Zimbabwe cricketer Andy Flower as their head coach on Friday. With over a decade of experience in coaching international and franchise cricket teams, Flower brings a wealth of expertise to the position. He has been part of winning teams in various tournaments, including PSL, The Hundred, ILT20, and T10.
Flower’s coaching tenure with England was particularly successful, guiding the team to victory in home and away Ashes campaigns, as well as the T20 World Cup in 2010. He also played a significant role in taking the England test team to the No. 1 ranking in the world. His accomplishments in the game earned him a place in the ICC Hall of Fame, making him the first player from Zimbabwe to receive this honor.
As a player, Andy Flower was a formidable batter, boasting an average of 51.54 and scoring 12 centuries in 63 Test matches. His successful track record in Indian conditions, both as a player and coach, adds to his suitability for the RCB coaching role.
RCB also announced their decision not to renew the contracts of Director of Cricket Operations Mike Hesson and Head Coach Sanjay Bangar after conducting an internal review post the previous season. The franchise expressed gratitude for their contributions during their four-year tenure with RCB, which included reaching three playoffs.
In response to his appointment, Andy Flower expressed excitement and acknowledged the challenge that comes with the responsibility. He recognized the potential of the talented player roster at RCB and is eager to begin working with the team.
“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,” Prathmesh Mishra, Chief Commercial Officer, Diageo India, and Chairman of RCB, said, according to a release.
Andy Flower said the responsibility is also a challenge.
“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 said.
Prathmesh Mishra, Chief Commercial Officer of Diageo India and Chairman of RCB, conveyed his appreciation for Mike Hesson and Sanjay Bangar’s professionalism and work ethics, which helped nurture young talent within the team. He extended best wishes to both coaches for their future endeavors and welcomed Andy Flower to lead RCB towards achieving greater heights.
