Breaking News: Simon Katich Steps Down As RCB Head Coach Due To Personal Reasons
Breaking News: Simon Katich Steps Down As RCB Head Coach Due To Personal Reasons

Simon Katich has stepped down from his role as the head coach of the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

It is also not confirmed whether Simon Katich has only pulled out of the second leg of the IPL 2021, to be played in the UAE, or will he not return next season as well and has left the franchise definitively. Mike Hesson, the Director of Cricket Operations, will take over coaching duties for the remainder of the season.

Simon Katich was roped in by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2020, which was played in the UAE amidst the pandemic. He was appointed as the head coach alongside Hesson.

Simon Katich and Virat Kohli
Simon Katich and Virat Kohli (Image Credit: Twitter)

Both helped the Virat Kohli-led side reach the playoffs last season where they were knocked out by Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Mike Hesson To Coach RCB Team In Absence Of Simon Katich:

The RCB, on Saturday made an announcement on their twitter handle stating that their Director of Cricket Operations, Mike Hesson will take charge as Head Coach for the remainder of IPL 2021 as Simon Katich makes himself unavailable ahead of the UAE leg.

“@CoachHesson (Mike Hesson) takes over as head coach for the remainder of #IPL2021 after Simon Katich made himself unavailable due to personal reasons.” Tweeted RCB.

“The RCB management fully backs @CoachHesson & supports Katich’s decision to step down. We look forward to a fantastic #IPL under Mike’s leadership.” added the franchise.

RCB sign three replacement players for the UAE leg of IPL 2021:

RCB have roped in Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, pacer Dushmantha Chameera, and Singapore’s Tim David as replacements for Adam Zampa, Daniel Sams, and Finn Allen. Kane Richardson remains another player who will be needed to replace as the three Australian players have pulled out.

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Fortunately for the franchise, Glenn Maxwell and Kyle Jamieson will be available and will return to play in the UAE.

Hasaranga and Chameera, individually, have had a brilliant year so far for the Sri Lankan team, although their side have tasted little success. Tim David has made his name as a hard-hitting batsman, showcasing his talents in different leagues around the world.

Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga (Image Credit: Twitter)

The Royal Challengers sit at the third position on the points table with 5 wins in 7 matches in the India leg of the tournament. They had a largely impressive first half of the season – for the first time in their history they won their first four IPL matches.

They will resume their season on September 20 against Kolkata Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi. The IPL final is scheduled for October 15 in Dubai, just two days before the T20 World Cup begins.

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