Published 18:18 IST, August 27th 2019
Mike Hesson says RCB got the right man for the job in Simon Katich
Royal Challengers Bangalore's newly-appointed Director of Cricket Operations Mike Hesson on Tuesday said Australian Simon Katich was the "right man" for the job
Royal Challengers Bangalore's newly-appointed Director of Cricket Operations Mike Hesson on Tuesday said Australian Simon Katich was the "right man" for the job of head coach. The RCB said that in his new capacity, Mike Hesson will be responsible for the RCB's overall cricket operations, including defining policy, strategy, programs, scouting, performance management and bringing in the best practices in "all aspect's of the outfit's cricketing pathway". Mike Hesson will work closely with all the players and the coaching team and will be an integral part of the RCB team management. Former Australia batsman Simon Katich, in his new role as head coach, will "inculcate the high-performance culture" in RCB.
Mike Hesson feels Simon Katich is the right man for the job
"He (Simon Katich) was on the radar for RCB for a while, and rightfully so because he's very talented. He was part of our discussions too. I feel like RCB have gotten the right man for the job. We hope to put our best foot forward," Mike Hesson was quoted as saying in a media release issued by Karnataka Premier League. "The key fact in any new place is to immerse yourself entirely in the experience, rather than trying to impose your views and the way you work. You need to be doing the adapting. It's not the other way around," he said even as he hoped to turn the things around for the southern franchise. RCB has failed to win the coveted IPL title even once. The team has failed to make it to the playoffs in the last three seasons. Despite having a star-studded team comprising of the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, RCB has put up a string of poor performances in the IPL seasons.
Mike Hesson congratulates Ravi Shastri
Mike Hesson, a former New Zealand coach was pipped by incumbent Ravi Shastri for the job of India coach and he congratulated the former India all-rounder. "I went through the process and I am happy with the process. I wish Ravi and the team the best of luck," said Hesson, who is in Mysuru doing commentary in the KPL. "As a coach, you're always going to be judged only as a coach. Within any coaching group, though, you need plenty of playing experience. That said, I think it's more about the combination of coaches. I am sure team India has put together a good crew," he said on the selection of support staff which comprises Vikram Rathour (batting coach), Bharat Arun (bowling coach) and R Sridhar (fielding coach).
Mike Hesson scouting for talents at KPL
The KPL has been a consistent feeder for the IPL since its inception in 2009, with over 20 from the state going on to shine in the biggest domestic T20 league in the world. "This is just a chance to look at some talent," said Hesson, who is scouting for the 2020 edition of the IPL. "Obviously, there is some talent in the catchment areas of Karnataka. I am just getting to know some personnel in the RCB. I am meeting the management later in the week. It's about gathering information. The more talent we spot the better," he signed off.
Updated 18:42 IST, August 27th 2019