IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore have had a torrid time in the last few years. Despite several chopping and changing in the line-up, they haven’t tasted much success. They now have decided to make a massive change. The previous coach Daniel Vettori has been sacked and will be replaced by Gary Kirsten.
Kirsten was the batting coach of RCB in the 2018 season but now he will serve as the head coach as well as the mentor starting the 2019 edition. The former South African is a renowned coach in the Indian contingent. The World Cup-winning Indian side of 2011 was coached by him. Also, the Men in Blue became the No.1 in Test cricket during Kirsten’s reign.
He then went on to coach the South African team and then had a stint with Delhi Daredevils. The RCB franchise would be hoping for a turn in their fortunes as they haven’t won a single season of IPL so far. After reaching the final in 2016, they dropped to eighth and sixth in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
Kirsten’s appointment could just be the thing that the franchise needs. The former South African batsman stated that he would do his best for the franchise and thanked the team management for his appointment.
“I had the privilege of coaching with the RCB team last season under head coach Daniel Vettori and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I look forward to continuing the journey with RCB and doing my best to help the franchise reach its potential. I want to thank the team management for considering me in a leadership position with the franchise and I look forward to a successful few years,” said Gary Kirsten.
On the other hand, the departure of Daniel Vettori marks the end of an era. The former Kiwi captain was associated with RCB in one form of the other for the last 8 years. Earlier, he played for and captained the side. Then, he went on to coach the team until last year.
“I am extremely grateful for the eight years I have spent with RCB, as a player and a coach and I wish the franchise all the best moving forward,” Vettori signed off with his wishes for the team.
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