RCB has got right man in Katich for the job, says Hesson

RCB has failed to win the coveted IPL title even once and has not made it to the play-offs in the last three seasons.

Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson during his KPL commentary stint in Mysuru.

Mike Hesson may have finished second in the race for the job of India coach, but he isn't fretting.

If reports are to be believed, the New Zealander ran Ravi Shastri close before the latter was preferred by the CAC for his record as an international cricketer. Hesson, who is here as a commentator at the KPL, has no complaints, though.

“I went through the process and I am happy with the process," he said on Tuesday.

"I wish Ravi and the team the best of luck. As a coach, you’re always going to be judged only as a coach. Within any coaching group, though, you need plenty of playing experience. That said, I think it’s more about the combination of coaches. I am sure team India has put together a good crew.”

Hesson, who spent six years coaching New Zealand, was last week announced as RCB's Director of Cricket Operations -- a role that was newly created within the franchise. "The first month or two is just about getting to know the people, what works and what doesn’t. Talent in India is never an issue. It’s really about maximizing talent, that’s what our job is as coaches. That will be my role as director of operations,” he said.

RCB has endured a torrid time over the last three seasons, failing to qualify for the playoffs on all three occasions. Hesson hoped to turn things around with Simon Katich, the newly named RCB head coach, on his side. “The key fact in any new place is to immerse yourself entirely in the experience, rather than trying to impose your views and the way you work. You need to be doing the adapting. It’s not the other way around,” he said.

When asked how much of a role he had had in Katich’s appointment, Hesson said: "He was on the radar for RCB for a while, and rightfully so because he’s very talented. He was part of our discussions too. I feel like RCB have gotten the right man for the job.”

The KPL was an opportunity to scout for some talent, Hesson felt. "Obviously, there is some talent in the catchment areas of Karnataka," he said. "This is just a chance to look at some talent. I am meeting the RCB management later in the week."