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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka health dept mandates heat stroke units across hospitals
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government on Friday directed state-run health facilities to set up dedicated ‘heat stroke management rooms’ to address risks from extreme temperatures, officials said.
In a circular issued, the Commissionerate of Health and Family Welfare Services said community health centres should earmark two beds, taluk hospitals five beds, and district hospitals 10 beds for heat stroke management.
The circular, issued under the National Action Plan on Heat-Related Illnesses, stated that these facilities must be made operational every year, including in 2026, from March 1 to July 31.
All doctors and paramedical staff have been instructed to undergo training in the management of Heat-Related Illnesses (HRI).
It also directed all health institutions to establish ORS corners and equip heat stroke management rooms with essential facilities such as fans, ice cubes, and thermometers.
All health facilities at every level have been instructed to submit daily reports on HRI cases through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), the circular said.
The health department said the measures aim to prevent heat stroke-related complications and deaths amid rising temperatures and has directed authorities concerned to submit compliance reports on implementation.
