Kirsten announced as Vettori’s replacement as Royal Challengers Bangalore coach

The 2011 World Cup winning coach with India replaces former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori, who had been a part of the franchise as both a player and then a coach for eight years

^{Gary Kirsten replaces Daniel Vettori as Royal Challengers Bangalore coach}

Former South Africa cricketer Gary Kirsten has been named as the new coach and mentor for Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The 2011 World Cup-winning coach with India replaces former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori, who had been a part of the franchise as both a player and then a coach for eight years.

The announcement comes after Vettori and his coaching staff was removed as head coach following RCB’s disappointing campaign in the 2018 IPL, winning just six of their 14 matches despite having a team full of superstar limited-overs players.

Kirsten becomes RCB coach following a stint in 2018 as their batting coach.

The opener, who played 101 Test matches and 185 one-day internationals for South Africa, on his appointment said: "I had the privilege of coaching with the RCB team last season under head coach Vettori and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I look forward to continuing the journey with RCB and doing my best to help the franchise reach its potential.

"I want to thank the team management for considering me in a leadership position with the franchise and I look forward to a successful few years," Kirsten continued.

Reflecting on his time with RCB, outgoing coach Vettori said: "I am extremely grateful for the eight years I have spent with RCB, as a player and a coach and I wish the franchise all the best moving forward."

VETTORI SACKED BY ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE