Hesson will continue in his original role as director of cricket operations
Hesson, meanwhile, will continue in his original role as director of cricket operations. Royal Challengers, who lost to Knight Riders in the Eliminator of IPL 2021, will be on the hunt for a new captain as well after Virat Kohli stepped down at the end of the season.
“I have worked with some exceptional and talented members in the squad and can’t wait to take this team to the next level,” Bangar said in a statement issued by the franchise. “There’s a lot of work that needs to be done with the IPL mega auctions and the season following it, but I’m sure that together with the continued support of the management and the support staff, we can deliver the goods and bring cheer to our fans across the globe.”
Royal Challengers’ chairman, Prathmesh Mishra, said of the appointment: “Sanjay Bangar has been part of our support staff as a batting consultant and brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and batting coach, having worked extensively with the Indian cricket team. Sanjay has been chosen to be the head coach following a rigorous and robust selection procedure. We are confident that he will be able to bring his experience to the fore and maximize the potential of the squad.”
Bangar served as India’s batting coach from 2014 before being replaced by Vikram Rathour in 2019 and also has prior coaching experience in the IPL. He was Kings XI Punjab’s assistant coach in 2014 before being promoted to head coach during the season, but he stepped down from the role in December 2016. He was also the batting coach of the now-defunct Kochi Tuskers Kerala.
Bangar played 12 Tests and 15 ODIs for India between 2001 and 2004. In 165 first-class games, he scored 8349 runs and picked up 300 wickets, leading Railways with distinction in the domestic circuit. He also featured in 112 List A games, scoring 2560 runs and taking 92 wickets.
During 2008-09, he played for Deccan Chargers and Kolkata Knight Riders. In all, he played 33 T20s before his retirement in 2013.
