Royal Challengers Bengaluru could face a major coaching setback ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League season after reports claimed the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is keen to appoint Andy Flower as the next head coach of the England men's Test team. The development follows Brendon McCullum's departure from the role, with The i Paper reporting that Flower has emerged as the ECB's preferred candidate to take charge of the red-ball side.

 

The report added that the biggest obstacle to any potential move is Flower's current contract with RCB. The Zimbabwean is believed to be on a lucrative IPL deal, meaning the ECB would need to make a substantial financial offer to secure his return to English cricket.

 

Flower is no stranger to the England setup. He joined the national team as assistant coach under Peter Moores in 2007 before taking over as team director in 2009 after a brief spell in an interim role during England's tour of the Caribbean.

 

Read also: Brendon McCullum Allows England Players to Drink After Dominant 4-0 Series Victory vs India

 

Former England coach boasts proven international record

 

Flower oversaw one of England's most successful periods in modern Test history. During his tenure, England regained the Ashes in 2009, lifted the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2010 and secured a memorable Ashes series victory in Australia during the 2010-11 campaign.

 

England also climbed to the No. 1 position in the ICC Test rankings in 2011 after defeating India 4-0 at home. Another Ashes triumph followed in 2013 before England's 5-0 defeat in Australia during the 2013-14 series brought his spell as head coach to an end. He continued working with the ECB in different capacities before moving into franchise coaching.

 

Since leaving international cricket, Flower has built a reputation as one of the most accomplished T20 coaches, working across several global leagues.

 

RCB could face difficult decision before 2027 season

 

Flower joined RCB ahead of the 2024 season on a reported three-year contract and has been credited with reshaping the franchise's cricketing approach. His emphasis on role clarity, tactical flexibility and balanced squad construction helped establish a stronger foundation for the Bengaluru-based side.

 

Any departure before the 2027 season would force RCB into another coaching transition at a time when stability remains important following the franchise's recent ownership change.

 

The report added that if Flower cannot be persuaded to leave the IPL, the ECB is also considering other candidates, including Justin Langer, Andrew Flintoff, Eoin Morgan and Gareth Batty, as it searches for McCullum's successor.