Ben Sawyer named Royal Challengers Bangalore head coach for inaugural WPL campaign

Sawyer, the current new coach of the New Zealand women's side, has franchise experience with Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash and Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred

Royal Challengers Bangalore have appointed Ben Sawyer as head coach for the inaugural WPL season.

Sawyer, the current new coach of the New Zealand women's side, has franchise experience with Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash and Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred.

As previously reported by The Cricketer, he will work under director of cricket operations Mike Hesson, who led RCB's WPL auction activity in Mumbai on Monday.

^{Ben Sawyer has been appointed Royal Challengers Bangalore head coach [Getty Images]}

Sawyer will be supported by assistant coach Malolan Rangarajan, who is also involved with Bangalore's men's side, as well as batting coach RX Murali and fielding coach Vanitha VR at the franchise.

"He's won three World Cups with Australia, he's a fast bowling expert, he's won WBBL titles with Sydney Sixers and he's made finals in The Hundred," Hesson said.

"He's been involved in women's cricket for over 20 years, he knows the women's game inside out, knows the players very well, and he's been thoroughly involved in our preparation for the auction.

"We spoke to him prior to knowing we were going to get a team and sussing out whether he'd be interested and he was really excited."

^{Sawyer is currently with New Zealand at the T20 World Cup [Getty Images]}

RCB's purchases at the auction included Smriti Mandhaha, the first woman selected, and Australia allrounder Ellyse Perry.

The WPL will take place between March 4 and March 26, with all games played in Mumbai - at the Brabourne and DY Patil stadiums.

Five teams make up the competition, with RCB joined by Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz.

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