Andy Flower will henceforth take the coaching reins of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League.
The 55-year-old former Zimbabwean cricketer, who was born in Cape Town, has signed a three-year deal with the IPL franchise.
He follows in the footsteps of Sanjay Bangar whose contract was not renewed. RCB gave a disappointing IPL performance this year and they failed to qualify for the playoffs.
“It is a privilege to represent a franchise of RCB’s stature. The team boasts incredible supporters and I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium first hand,” said Flower.
The former Zimbabwean wicketkeeper also indicated that he is excited to work with Faf du Plessis again.
Du Plessis was appointed as RCB’s captain a season or two ago and despite some brilliant performances, he has not yet been able to lead the team to title glory.
He joined forces with Flower for the St Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League.
“We have worked very well together before and I look forward to making the partnership bigger and stronger.”
The feeling is mutual, Gaffer! ????
We can’t wait to get #IPL2024 prepare on the go! ❤️????#PlayBold #அம்மம்RCB pic.twitter.com/av7fEPh4zz
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) August 4, 2023
Flower is Zimbabwe’s best ever cricketer. In 63 Tests, he scored 4,794 runs at an average of almost 52. As a wicketkeeper, he got rid of 160 batsmen.
More recently, he made a name for himself as a coach in England and, together with players such as Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Strauss and James Anderson, ensured that the English became the leading test team in the world.
In addition, they also won the Ashes series against Australia twice. Just ask any English cricketer: That little case with the burnt crossbars is the most important piece of silverware in Test cricket.
On the international T20 stage, he walked away with the World Cup laurels in 2010 with the Englishmen.
