IPL: RCB appoint Gary Kirsten as head coach, replaces Daniel Vettori

They have not been able to win the coveted league even once after playing it for 11 years now and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have now decided to make a major move in a quest for changing fortunes. The franchise on August 30 roped in former South African cricketer and Team India coach Gary Kirsten as their head coach and mentor for the 2019 edition. Kirsten will replace New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori who was associated with the RCB either as a player or coach in the last eight editions.

Kirsten, 50, although is a cricketer from the T20 era, he has a sea of experience under his belt and was successful in guiding India to their second World Cup victory in the 50-over format in 2011 when MS Dhoni was the skipper. A veteran of 101 Tests and 185 ODIs, Kirsten scored over 14,000 international runs and many more in first-class cricket. He maintained an impressive average of above 40 both in Tests and ODIs and features among the top 10 South African run-getters in either format.

Kirsten joined RCB as batting coach for 2018 edition

According to a report cited by The New Indian Express, Kirsten joined the RCB as their batting coach for the 2018 edition in which they failed to make the playoffs.

“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,” the former southpaw was quoted as saying.

“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.”

Vettori, the departing coach, also expressed his gratitude to the franchise for giving the opportunity to serve it as a player and coach and wished it good luck for the endeavours ahead.

RCB have made it to the finals of the IPL thrice but they lost on all occasions. In 2009, they lost to the now defunct Deccan Chargers in the edition played in South Africa; in 2011, they lost to Chennai Super Kings while in 2016, they were outplayed by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Vettori was their captain in the final of 2011.

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