Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Former Proteas batsman and coach Gary Kirsten has been appointed as head coach and mentor of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Royal Challenges Bangalore (RCB).
Kirsten, who joined Bangalore in this year's IPL campaign as batting coach, will replace former Black Caps spinner Daniel Vettori.
Bangalore only managed to win six of their 14 games and finished sixth on the IPL standings this season.
Kirsten brings to the team a wealth of experience having played close to 700 matches (ODI, Tests and First Class) and has coached for the past 10 years at the highest level.
The 50-year-old coached India to the 2011 Cricket World Cup title, managed the Proteas for two years, coached the IPL rivals the Delhi Daredevils for two seasons and spent a season at Hobart Hurricanes.
"I had the privilege of coaching with the RCB team last season under head coach Daniel 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. 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," said Kirsten, as quoted by the club's website.
"We are very happy to have Gary Kirsten take on the mantle of coach and mentor for Royal Challengers Bangalore. During the last IPL season, Gary has proved to be a brilliant mentor to both seasoned and young RCB players and we are confident that he will bring a fresh perspective to the team," said Bangalore chairperson, Sanjeev Churiwala.
Moving on from Bangalore, Vettori wished the side well, saying: "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."
Kirsten played in 101 Tests and 185 ODIs for the Proteas between 1993 and 2004 and coached the side between 2011-2013.
This just in: @Gary_Kirsten has been promoted to Coach and Mentor of RCB for the coming seasons. Read the official statement ?? https://t.co/SrJkItf3s6 #PlayBold pic.twitter.com/S4RfxlZu2U
— Royal Challengers (@RCBTweets) August 30, 2018
