RCB appoint Mike Hesson as Director of Cricket Operations ; Simon Katich named head coach

So, for the next IPL season, two former kings from Punjab will be the brains of the RCB franchise – Katich a former player, and Hesson the former coach. As the Director of Cricket Operations, Hesson will be responsible for the overall RCB cricket operations including strategy, scouting and performance management. He will work closely with the players, the coaching staff, and the RCB management – essentially forming the bridge between them. 

"RCB's purpose is to be the most trusted, respected and best performing T20 Franchise and hence our constant endeavour is to create a culture of excellence and high performance for every member of the team,” RCB Chairman Sanjeev Churiwala told IANS regarding Hesson’s appointment.

Hesson brings with him a wealth of experience having been the head coach and mentor to the Kiwis, leading them to the 2015 World Cup final. Recently, Hesson had been in the running for the top job with the Indian national team, losing out only narrowly to Ravi Shastri, according to reports.

"It was not a walk in the park for Shastri as some of you seem to believe. Hesson was really close to getting the go-ahead. It is there for all to see how the New Zealand team improved by leaps and bounds under him across all formats. From being the perennial surprise package in big-ticket events, they had become a champion side under him and that is something that really impressed the CAC.”

"Under his coaching, the Kiwis reached their first-ever World Cup final in 2015. While he did resign in 2018, the Kiwis playing their second final on the trot in 2019 also had a lot to do with what Hesson brought to the table. His strategizing with senior members in the team can't be discounted," a senior BCCI functionary said.