Royal Challengers Bangalore appoint Sanjay Bangar as head coach

Former India all-rounder and batting coach Sanjay Bangar has been appointed as the head coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore. Bangar, who had joined the team as a batting consultant earlier this year, will replace Mike Hesson who was managing the role in addition to being the Director of Cricket Operations at RCB.

Hesson was given the added responsibility of being the head coach for the second half of IPL 2021 after Australia's Simon Katich made himself unavailable.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the RCB management and the entire structure of RCB for reposing faith in me and giving me an opportunity in the position of the head coach to serve the great franchisee of RCB.”

“Our work has already begun in terms auction strategy. I would like to assure each of the RCB fans that we are committed to build a strong squad and we are committed to achieve the long-cherished dream of winning an IPL trophy,” Bangar said on the appointment.

Announcing Bangar’s appointment Hesson said, “He is highly respected a coach, primarily known as a batting coach, but certainly has far more expertise than just that. We are very lucky to have Sanjay on board with us at RCB and now to be able to promote him to the head coach, we are delighted with that appointment. I am sure all the players and support staff will be too.”

“We are all aware that 2020 will be a mega auction. So, there is obviously plenty of works that need to take place for RCB between now and when the auction occurs on the new year. One of the major parts of that is obviously retention. And there has been plenty of discussions internally around that. Now with Sanjay being appointed to his role of head coach, he will obviously be heavily involved in those discussions in the future,” Hesson added.

Prathmesh Mishra, Chairman, Royal Challengers Bangalore, said: "RCB has been committed to its philosophy of supporting and grooming talents from within the team and appointing Sanjay Bangar is the reflection of that belief. Sanjay Bangar has been part of our support staff as a batting consultant and brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and batting coach, having worked extensively with the Indian cricket team. Sanjay has been chosen to be the head coach following a rigorous and robust selection procedure. We are confident that he will be able to bring his experience to the fore and maximize the potential of the squad. I congratulate Sanjay on this appointment and wish him all the best as we embark on this new chapter."