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Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), one of the most star-studded teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has faced a formidable challenge over its 15-year history. Despite boasting a loyal and passionate fan base, RCB has consistently fallen short in its quest for IPL silverware. The franchise’s trophy cabinet remains empty, and they have endured some heart-wrenching defeats in their pursuit of glory.
Finals heartbreak
RCB’s journey to the IPL finals serves as a testament to their talent and determination, reaching the summit clash on two occasions. However, both instances ended in heartbreak. In 2011, they faced the might of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who emerged victorious, clinching their second title. In 2016, it was the David Warner-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) who thwarted RCB’s ambitions in a thrilling final.
Changes in leadership
In August of the current year, RCB underwent significant changes in their leadership. The franchise bid farewell to their Director of Cricket Operations, Mike Hesson, and head coach, Sanjay Bangar. A new era dawned with the appointment of Andy Flower as the new head coach of the Men’s team. While under Hesson and Bangar, RCB managed to qualify for the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, the elusive trophy continued to slip through their grasp, as they fell short of making it to the final on all three occasions.
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New director of cricket operations
Taking another step towards revitalizing the team, RCB appointed Mo Bobat as the Director of Cricket Operations ahead of IPL 2024. Bobat, at 40 years old, brings a wealth of experience, having been with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for 12 years. He served as the Performance Director since 2019, playing a pivotal role in shaping England’s revolutionary approach to the game. This approach resulted in England’s dominance in T20I and ODI World Cups and delivered a memorable Ashes performance.
Reuniting for glory
Bobat and RCB’s head coach, Flower, have a history of working together with the England cricket setup. Now, they reunite once again, aiming to bring back the glory days to RCB. The franchise shared this exciting news on their social media platforms, igniting hopes and expectations among their loyal fan base.
“I’m both excited and proud to be joining RCB as Director of Cricket. RCB is one of the most recognizable franchises in the world, with a renowned fan base. To serve them will be a huge honor. It’s important to acknowledge the work of both Mike Hesson and Sanjay. It’s important to acknowledge the work of both Mike Hesson and Sanjay Bangar, for the stability and consistency they provided over recent years,” Bobat said
RCB appoints Mo Bobat as the Director of Cricket for IPL. 🚨
Bobat has served England Cricket as their Performance Director since 2019, and has been a part of the ECB set up for 12 years, during which England lifted the T20I and ODI World Cups. 🏆
Bobat has also worked very… pic.twitter.com/Q61k6WgNPI
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) September 29, 2023
As RCB embarks on a new chapter with fresh leadership and renewed determination, cricket enthusiasts await eagerly to see if this change will finally bring an end to their quest for IPL glory.
