IPL 2021: Mike Hesson takes over as RCB coach after Simon Katich steps down citing personal reasons – Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have a squad overhaul with three new players coming and Mike Hesson becoming head coach. RCB’s coach Simon Katich stepped down citing personal reasons, handing the job to Hesson, who has been working as the Director of Cricket Operations.
Furthermore, RCB will miss the services of Finn Allen, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams and Scott Kuggeleijn in the second leg. RCB have also announced three replacements for IPL 2021 Phase 2.
🔊 ANNOUNCEMENT 🔊@CoachHesson takes over as head coach for the remainder of #IPL2021 after Simon Katich made himself unavailable due to personal reasons. #PlayBold #WeAreChallengers pic.twitter.com/MQ8ErjqMZI
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) August 21, 2021
“As the season resumes in the UAE, it’s going to be an exciting chapter ahead. Simon Katich has decided to step down as the Head Coach of RCB, we would like to thank Katich for his work during his time at Royal Challengers and wish him success in the future. In the interim, Mike Hesson will step in and discharge the duties of Head coach until the end of the current season, in addition to his existing role of Director of Cricket,” Rajesh Menon, Vice President and Head of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) said.
IPL 2021 Phase 2: Sri Lanka’s star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has come in replacing Adam Zampa. The Australian opted out. Another Australian Daniel Sams has also pulled out and has been replaced by Sri Lanka’s Dushmantha Chameera. The other batsman to come is New Zealand’s Tim David, replacing fellow Kiwi Finn Allen, who has committed to playing New Zealand’s series against Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Mike Hesson is happy with the changes in the team. “We have made some changes to the squad pertaining to the situation. We have come a long way and have shown steady progress as a team. The addition of Wanindu Hasaranga, Tim David and Dushmantha Chameera couldn’t have come at a better time during the replacement window, as we aim to continue with the momentum, building on our performance from earlier this year,” the Kiwi added.
Meanwhile, the Indian players, support staff and the team management will be assembling in Bengaluru on August 21. The team will undergo 7 days of quarantine and Covid-19 tests for 3 days during the period. The team will then depart via a chartered flight from Bengaluru on August 29. The other international players and staff will assemble in the UAE starting August 29 onwards. There will be another 6 days of quarantine in the UAE following their arrival.
