Former Proteas batsman Gary Kirsten has been removed as head coach of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

Kirsten was the head coach of Bangalore for one season. The franchise finished in last position across this year’s eight-team IPL standings, after five victories and eight losses.

He will be replaced by former Australian batsman Simon Katich. New Zealander Mike Hesson, meanwhile, has been appointed the Royal Challengers’ director of cricket.

‘RCB’s purpose is to be the most trusted, respected and best-performing T20 franchise and hence our constant endeavour is to create a culture of excellence and high performance for every member of the team,’ said Royal Challengers Bangalore chairman Sanjeev Churiwala.

‘We believe that Mike’s extensive experience in building strong teams along with Simon’s powerful cricket experience will help us create a winning culture.’

The 51-year-old Kirsten, who was head coach of the Proteas and India, will work with the Cardiff-based team in The Hundred – the England and Wales Cricket Board’s new limited-overs tournament – next year. He will also coach the Durban Heat in the 2019 edition of the Mzansi Super League.

‘To be involved in English and Welsh cricket from a coaching perspective is something that I have never done. It’s great to be given that opportunity and to come to Cardiff,’ said Kirsten.

‘This is a new format that I am sure will grow and grow. The real win is that it will grab the attention of families and expose the game of cricket to as many environments and communities as possible.’

The Hundred will be launched in July 2020 and played across five weeks. The first edition will feature eight city-based teams from Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, Cardiff, Southampton and two in London (Lord’s and The Oval).

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