New Delhi: Expectations soar whenever the Indian Premier League (IPL) arrives and for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans the anticipation is even higher. Mike Hesson the former Director of Cricket at RCB witnessed this firsthand. He led the franchise from 2019 to 2023 bringing a level of consistency rarely associated with RCB before his tenure. Under his leadership RCB reached the playoffs in three consecutive seasons before narrowly missing out in 2023. Hesson had previously worked with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in 2019 almost guiding them to the playoffs. However his time with Punjab was challenging due to multiple owners with differing views. The experience contrasted sharply with RCB where he found a structured and professional organization. “The IPL was very different from international cricket” Hesson told Sportskeeda. “I was fortunate because during my six years with the Black Caps I got to know many international players. That helped when transitioning into the IPL. I’ve always enjoyed the passion for cricket in India and in the IPL it’s amplified.” Hesson appreciated RCB’s structured approach. “It’s a professionally run organization with clear checks and balances. We put immense planning into auctions and strategies ensuring we executed them effectively. I enjoyed the role of Director of Cricket which involved working between owners coaching staff and players.” Discussing auctions he acknowledged the difficulty of acquiring top players but was proud of RCB’s consistency compared to previous years. “We got many things right and some wrong but we significantly improved RCB’s stability.” Hesson on Virat Kohli Virat Kohli remains RCB’s most iconic player. Hesson shared insights into working with the former captain debunking misconceptions. “From the outside you perceive Virat as aggressive and in-your-face. But he’s engaging great with younger players and instinctive as a captain. He had strong views but was open to others’ opinions.” Kohli’s work ethic particularly impressed Hesson. “During COVID when there were no crowds maintaining intensity was tough for many players. But Virat showed up every day with the same energy. That sets him apart.” Hesson supported Kohli’s decision to step down as RCB captain in 2021. “He had given everything to India and RCB. It was the right time for him to enjoy cricket as a player. We saw how free he played after relinquishing captaincy especially in 2023 when he opened the batting aggressively.” On New RCB Captain Rajat Patidar Hesson expressed pride in RCB appointing Rajat Patidar as captain. He played a key role in scouting Patidar at the IPL 2021 auction. “I got goosebumps when he was announced as captain. He’s a quality young man who’s overcome challenges including a long injury layoff. He has incredible power and remains calm under pressure.” He likened Patidar’s temperament to New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner. “Rajat is a flatline character—calm observant and aware. He has led Madhya Pradesh and is ready for this challenge. I hope he remains true to his style and doesn’t change to satisfy external expectations.” RCB’s IPL 2025 Chances RCB’s 2025 auction strategy drew mixed reactions especially their decision to let go of Mohammed Siraj. “It was their prerogative” Hesson said. “I rated Siraj highly; he performed well despite bowling at Chinnaswamy where conditions favor batters. But different coaching groups have different preferences.” Hesson believes RCB has a competitive squad but emphasizes their bowling attack will determine their success. “Batting isn’t a concern. The challenge is having bowlers with strong defensive skills at Chinnaswamy. That will decide how far they go.” As RCB embarks on another title quest Hesson remains confident in their leadership and structure though challenges lie ahead.