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Cape Town - Former Proteas batsman and coach Gary Kirsten has been removed from his position at Indian Premier League (IPL) outfit Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
The Challengers announced on Friday that Kirsten and Ashish Nehra were removed as batting and bowling coaches respectively, with New Zealander Mike Hesson coming in as director of cricket operations and Australian Simon Katich as head coach.
"Simon Katich as head coach will inculcate the high-performance
culture in the team. Simon has strong credentials in T20 cricket format
as a head coach and captain who has won multiple championships," the RCB said via a statement published by the Hindustan Times.
The statement continued: "As the director of cricket Operations, Mike Hesson will be responsible for the overall RCB cricket operations including defining policy, strategy, programmes, scouting, performance management and bringing in best practices throughout all aspects of the RCB's cricketing pathway. He will work closely with the players and the coaching team and will be a part of RCB management team. This is a new position created within the franchise."
The RCB thanked Kirsten and Nehra for their contributions to the franchise.
"As a result of this restructuring exercise, we will be moving to a single coach model. Consequently, we would like to thank Gary Kirsten and Ashish Nehra for their contribution over the past two seasons. They leave us with a legacy of having given several young players the confidence to show their ability on the highest stage. Everyone at Royal Challengers Bangalore wishes them all the best in the future."
The 51-year-old Kirsten is not without a job though.
The former South Africa and India head coach recently accepted a coaching role ahead of the first edition of England's 'The Hundred' where he will coach the Cardiff-based team expected to be named Western Fire.
Kirsten will also coach the Durban Heat for the second edition of the Mzansi Super League later this year.
Compiled by: Herman Mostert
