IPL 2021: Mike Hesson Takes Over As RCB Head Coach After Simon Katich Steps Down

IPL 2021: Simon Katich stepped down from the role of Royal Challengers Bangalore head coach due to personal reasons and Mike Hesson will be taking over for the remainder of the season, the franchise said.

Ahead of the resumption of Season 14 of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) announced changes to the squad as the team gears up for the action in the UAE this September. Former Australia player Simon Katich has stepped down as head coach of the IPL side due to personal reasons and as part of the team's business continuity plan, Mike Hesson will step in and discharge the duties of Head Coach for this season, in addition to his existing role of Director of Cricket Operations, RCB. Speaking about the resumption of the IPL 2021, Rajesh Menon, Vice President and Head, Royal Challengers Bangalore, in a virtual press briefing, said, "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 the head coach until the end of the current season, in addition to his existing role of Director of Cricket." Rajesh Menon also announced that Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanidu Hasaranga will be part of RCB for the second leg of IPL 2021 in UAE. He replaces Australia's Adam Zampa. Hasaranga was the player of the series in the recently concluded Sri Lanka-India T20I series, taking 7 wickets in 3 matches at an economy rate of 5.58. Another Sri Lankan, Dushmantha Chameera confirmed his place in the Bengaluru side. The fast bowler replaces Daniel Sams. Tim David, who is no stranger to the T20 format, replaced Finn Allen at RCB for the remainder of the season.