IPL 2021: Mike Hesson replaces Simon Katich as RCB coach, Wanindu Hasaranga among 3 major additions

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have announced four major changes to their squad for the second half of the 2021 season. The edition will resume in the UAE, having been conducted in India previously. The first development is with regard to the role of franchise head coach. Simon Katich has stepped down from the position due to personal reasons. Mike Hesson will step in and discharge the duties of Head Coach for this season. He will continue to perform his responsibilities in the existing role of Director of Cricket Operations.

Sri Lankans back in action in IPL

Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has replaced Australia’s Adam Zampa, marking the first major update with regard to the squad build-up. Tim David from Australia has been included in the setup as a replacement for New Zealand’s Finn Allen. The final move sees Sri Lanka’s Dushmantha Chameera replacing Daniel Sams of Australia. Allen and Scott Kuggeleijn were picked for national team duty for the series against Bangladesh, resulting in them being unavailable. Zampa, Daniel Sams and Kane Richardson declared themselves unavailable for the second leg of the tournament.

“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 in the replacement window, as we aim to continue with the momentum, building on our performance from earlier this year,” said Hesson.

Hasaranga made his presence felt in the recently concluded T20I series against India, accounting for wickets at regular intervals. David has further delivered impressive performances in recent times. The cricketer was a key performer for Southern Brave in the maiden edition of the Hundred, helping his side win the edition. The 26-year-old further enjoyed a successful stint with British club side Surrey recently. David helped his team reach the semi-finals of England’s Royal London One-Day Cup, smashing 340 runs at a strike rate of 150.44, including two centuries.

“Hesson will discharge the duties of Head coach”

Rajesh Menon, the vice president of the Bangalore-based franchise expressed his thankfulness towards Katich, for his contribution so far.

“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,” said Menon, Vice President and Head, RCB.

The Indian players, support staff and the team management will be assembling in Bengaluru on 21st August. This will be followed by the team undergoing 7 days of quarantine. COVID tests will be conducted for 3 days during that period. The team will then depart via a chartered flight from Bangalore on 29th August. The other international players and staff will assemble in the UAE starting 29th August onwards. There will be another 6 days of quarantine in the UAE.