"Disappointed to be leaving": Mike Hesson heartbroken after being sacked by RCB

RCB have ended Mike Hesson, Sanjay Bangar’s term and have roped in Andy Flower as new head coach.

Mike Hesson posted a heartfelt note on his Instagram account after the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) parted ways with him and head coach Sanjay Bangar, confirming the same on Friday, August 4, 2023.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore administration officially announced on Friday, that Hesson, the director of cricket operations, and Bangar, the head coach, would not have their contracts renewed when they came up for renewal in September.

Instead, the team has moved on and appointed Andy Flower of Zimbabwe as its new head coach for the IPL 2024 campaign. Flower was previously the head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the past two years and took the team into the playoffs on both occasions.

“RCB also confirmed the decision of not renewing the contract of Director of Cricket Operations Mike Hesson and Head Coach Sanjay Bangar as part of the internal review that the team has concluded post the end of the previous season. The franchise places its gratitude to both of these dignitaries for all their efforts during their time with RCB for the last four seasons,” the franchise said in a statement.

Regarding the coaching staff of their squad in the Women’s Premier League, the Bangalore franchise have not yet made any announcements. The team’s head coach, Ben Sawyer, is also having his contract reviewed as part of an internal review.

I have some very fond memories of working with great people both on and off the park: Hesson

Under the guidance of Hesson, who joined the team in 2019 as the head coach before being elevated to director of cricket operations, Royal Challengers Bangalore achieved some significant advancements. The squad earned postseason spots for three straight years during his leadership.

Hesson joined Royal Challengers Bangalore as director in 2019 and has been instrumental in taking RCB to three successive playoffs. Bangar joined in 2021 as head coach and was instrumental in Virat Kohli getting back to form in the IPL 2023 season. However, the trophy drought did not end, as RCB failed to reach the finals in two years.

Meanwhile, Hesson posted a note on his Instagram account expressing disappointment at his sacking but showed gratitude towards the management and fans.

He posted: “Although we were able to make good progress making 3 playoffs in the last 4 seasons we were not able to win the elusive trophy 🏆 that I like so many players, support staff and the amazing fans so dearly wanted.  

Although disappointed to be leaving RCB I have some very fond memories working with great people both on and off the park. I would like to thank the management for the opportunity and wish RCB and it’s new coaching team the very best. Lastly to the amazing RCB fans, you are unwavering in your support and passion for the team and made me feel at home, for that I thank you.”

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A post shared by Mike Hesson (@hesson_mike)

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