Andy Flower, former Zimbabwe captain, has been appointed as the coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), as announced by the Indian Premier League franchise on Friday. This decision comes after the team bid farewell to Sanjay Bangar and cricket director Mike Hesson.

Flower’s coaching credentials include leading England to victory in the Twenty20 World Cup in 2010 and achieving success in franchise-based competitions, notably during his stint with the IPL’s Lucknow Super Giants.

In his new role, Flower will reunite with Bangalore skipper Faf du Plessis, with whom he previously collaborated at Saint Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League.

Acknowledging the work of departing coaches Hesson and Bangar, Flower expressed excitement about working with Faf again, emphasizing their previous successful collaboration.

RCB stated that Flower’s coaching expertise will play a vital role in nurturing a “championship-winning mindset” within the team.

Despite boasting top names, including cricketing superstar Virat Kohli, Bangalore is yet to secure their maiden IPL title since their debut in 2008. In the 2023 IPL season, they finished sixth in the 10-team table, leading to the non-renewal of Hesson and Bangar’s contracts.

Flower’s two-year contract with Lucknow came to an end in July, and he was subsequently replaced by former Australia coach Justin Langer.