RCB appoint Andy Flower as head coach; part ways with Hesson, Bangar
Bengaluru (PTI): Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday appointed vastly experienced Andy Flower as their head coach, officially ending the term of Mike Hesson and Sanjay Bangar.
The contracts of both Hesson, director of cricket operations, and Bangar, the head coach, were up for renewal in September but the franchise decided to move on from the duo.
Rajesh Menon, vice-president and head of RCB, met Flower in London for discussions before drafting him in.
Flower said he was looking forward to take the RCB to newer heights in the IPL 2024.
"I am really proud to be joining RCB. I recognise the work put in by Mike Hesson and Sanjay Bangar, who are two coaches I respect, and I look forward to the challenge of taking RCB to new heights," said Flower, who coached Lucknow Supergiants in the last two seasons of the IPL.
Flower has extensive experience in the IPL, having worked with LSG and Punjab Kings prior to that.
The former Zimbabwe batsman said he is looking forward to working with RCB players, particularly with captain Faf du Plessis.
"I'm particularly excited to be reunited with Faf. We have worked very well together in the past and I look forward to forging our partnership and relationship into something bigger and better.
"We have an exciting roster of players to work with, and I recognise and will relish both the amazing opportunity with RCB but also the responsibility that comes with the role. It is a great challenge, and I can't wait to get started," said Flower.
Commenting on the decision to appoint Flower as the head coach, Prathmesh Mishra, chairman of RCB, said: "We would like to thank Mike Hesson and Sanjay Bangar for their excellent work in the past four seasons culminating in three play-offs. Their professionalism and work ethics have always been held in high regard."
Confirming their exit, both Hesson and Bangar thanked the franchise for giving them an opportunity to work with them and termed their tenure as a rewarding experience.
RCB is yet to make an announcement regarding the coaching staff of their team in the Women's Premier League. Ben Sawyer is the head coach of the team, and his contract too is under review as part of an internal review.
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Class 10, 12 Gujarat board exams begin; 15.2 lakh students set to appear
Gandhinagar (PTI): The Class 10 and 12 board examinations for more than 15 lakh students, conducted by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB), commenced across the state on Thursday, officials said.
At several centres, students appearing for the examination were welcomed in keeping with Indian cultural traditions. They were greeted with sweets, presented with roses, and given writing pads and pens.
"There are 1,701 examination centres across the state, where 15,27,724 students have begun their exams," an official release said.
To prevent any malpractice, special arrangements have been made by the administration. All examination centres are equipped with CCTV cameras, it added.
Officers from the District Coordination Committee have been appointed as observers. Adequate police personnel have also been deployed to maintain law and order, the release said.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel extended best wishes to students for achieving success in the exams.
"With the blessings of teachers and parents, along with hard work and self-confidence, we can overcome every stage of life with ease. The board examination is also an important milestone in life. It not only helps us move forward in our careers but also prepares us for the many tests life has to offer," he said in a post on X.
He appealed to the students to take their exams without stress, with complete confidence, and build a bright future by achieving success in every examination of life.
Gujarat Education Minister Dr Praduman Vaja visited Shri Swaminarayan Gurukul and encouraged students, extending wishes for their bright future.
He said the government has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure that students can take their exams in a free and fearless environment.
