From Bengaluru: Indian Premier League (IPL) team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Thursday declared previous India coach Gary Kirsten as their head coach and mentor for the coming edition of the richest league in the world.
Gary Kirsten, who directed India to the 2011 World Cup title, will replace former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori, who had been related with the team both as player and coach for the prior eight editions.
Gary Kirsten, the former South African opener joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as batting coach in the 2018 edition of the league and conveys to the team an abundance of experience having played near 700 matches (Tests, ODI and First Class) scoring near 40,000 runs over all formats.
The change occurs after RCB have failed to make it into the playoffs for two years on the jog. Strangely, in these years the team simply have nine wins to their name.
Once an impressive unit, the Virat Kohli-led team has never figured out how to win the pined for the trophy, yet have finished runners-up on two occasions — in 2011 and 2016.
Not known as an extremely solid batting unit, Gary Kirsten would hope to complete Bangalore’s dependence on Kohli, who has been their best batsman by a mile.
Commenting on his appointment, Gary Kirsten stated: “I had the privilege of coaching with the RCB team last season under head coach 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.”
Further, He said: “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.”
In the past, Gary Kirsten was related with another IPL franchise, Delhi Daredevils (DD) for 2 years beginning 2013. Delhi Daredevils finished last in both the editions. Thus the South African’s three-year contract finished rashly.
Proceeding on from RCB, Daniel Vettori said: “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.”