On Friday, August 4, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), an IPL team, made the announcement that Andy Flower had been selected as their new head coach. In the next months, the team will also name a new director of cricket operations to take Mike Hesson’s place, since his contract was about to expire.
Mike Hesson joined RCB in 2019, and during his time there, the team made the playoffs three times in a row (in 2020, 2021, and 2022).
Due to a defeat to Gujarat Titans in their final league game, the Faf du Plessis-led team was unable to make the playoffs in the 2023 season. Mike Hesson expressed his disappointment at not taking home the IPL trophy in a poignant statement he wrote before leaving.
Mike Hesson expressed his disappointment on Instagram, writing, “Although we were able to make good progress, making three playoffs in the last four seasons, we were not able to win the elusive trophy that I like so many players, support personnel, and the fantastic fans so much wanted. I have some really happy memories of working with wonderful individuals, both on and off the field, despite being sad to be leaving RCB.
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ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE Notably, Hesson participated in the administration of the RCB team in the Women’s Premier League’s debut season. The team, however, didn’t have a spectacular tournament, finishing on the fourth slot (second last) with only two victories from eight games.
Three times in the IPL, RCB came in second place.
The management of the women’s team, however, is “not likely” to fall within the purview of the new director of cricket, according to a source in ESPNCricinfo, and a new head coach would be chosen independently for the squad.
Since the IPL’s debut in 2008, RCB has participated in the competition. But so far, the group hasn’t succeeded in taking home the coveted trophy. Three times in the 16 seasons to date, in 2009, 2011 and 2016, they have reached the finals.
RCB has a big fan base across the nation that is eagerly awaiting to see Virat Kohli win the coveted trophy, despite the fact that they do not currently have one in their trophy case.