'Next sala cup namde loading' - Fans react as Royal Challengers Bangalore part ways with Sanjay Bangar, Mike Hesson ahead of IPL 2024

Sanjay Bangar & Mike Hesson (Source: Twitter)

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are yet to renew their contracts with director of cricket operations Mike Hesson and head coach Sanjay Bangar and reports are emerging that the franchise is looking to revamp its backroom staff. According to Indian Express, RCB have parted ways with the duo ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

The Bangalore-based franchise has been a part of the cash-rich league since its inception in 2008 but is yet to win a single title in its sixteen-year journey. RCB reached the final three times but unfortunately ended up on the wrong side on all these occasions. They last competed in a summit clash in 2016, when they were captained by Virat Kohli and lost heartbreakingly to Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Hesson and Bangar have been with the franchise for the past five years and have helped the franchise enter three IPL playoffs in 2020, 2021 and 2022. However, in the recent edition, they had a poor outing and finished sixth in the points table. By making changes in key roles, the franchise will be aiming to end their trophy drought in the 2024 season.

Meanwhile, there are no reports on whether RCB will rope in an Indian for the role of head coach. In addition, it is unclear whether RCB will retain current bowling coach Adam Griffith. "Their contract with RCB is still intact. The team is still in the process of review. We will come back if any announcement on the changes in the team," the franchise said in a statement.

LSG part ways with head coach Andy Flower

A day before RCB announced their changes, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) also gave a big update by appointing Justin Langer as their new head coach. The former Australia opener will replace Andy Flower in the key role in IPL 2024. Meanwhile, the former Zimbabwe captain is reportedly in talks with other IPL franchises to remain in a similar position.

“Lucknow Super Giants are on the journey of building a great story in the IPL. We all have a role to play in that journey and I am excited to be a part of the team moving forward," said Langer, speaking about his appointment as LSG's head coach.

Here's how fans reacted: 

😂😂#YuzvendraChahal #mikehesson #SanjayBangar pic.twitter.com/t3cHkP1DzZ

— aryan Khandagale (@aryan180205) July 17, 2023

RCB needs a complete revamp. Their structure and culture needs to change. Good first start👏

— ZAP Cricket (@zapcricket) July 16, 2023

Fir bhi trophy nhi aayi to 🤔

— Desi Bhayo (@desi_bhayo88) July 16, 2023

Finally some good news, Bring Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli era in IPL and you will find real firepower in the team🔥

— Shubman Gang (@ShubmanGang) July 16, 2023

We qualified consecutive 3 times Under Hesson.... L Move by RCB

— Atharv Mishra🇮🇳 (@Ansh9066) July 16, 2023

Mike Hesson at least tried to bring in a positive change in this team's performance. 3 playoffs out of 4 years is a good change, especially after finishing last twice in 2017,2019. Should've tried to retain him.

— Caught At Point (@Caught_At_Point) July 16, 2023

Finally trophy aayegi ab

— Alone mast (@ColFoool) July 16, 2023

ee sala cup naam de
trophy coming 😘😘

— Debendra Satapathy 🜃 (@realDebendra) July 16, 2023

A Beautiful Bond Virat Kohli & Mike Hesson End.💔#ViratKohli #MikeHesson #mike #cricket #CricketTwitter #ViratKohli #rcb #powerplay #powerplay18 pic.twitter.com/FznoPO0jpq

— Power Play (@powerplay_18) July 17, 2023

As a loyal fan who has donated kidneys to #RCB, I stand besides Mike Hesson. 😔

— avg NF enjoyer (@scoopshot63) July 17, 2023

RCB. They are doing exactly the same thing for which they are known. People say anything, but Mike Hesson was a Best coach for RCB imo.We shouldn't have released him. 😑 https://t.co/SpVhfOtOKD

— Prajjwal Mishra (@Prajjwal295) July 16, 2023