New Delhi: Chandika Hathurusingha has once again returned to coach Bangladesh. His tenure last time was a bit controversial. About nine years back in 2014, during his first stint, Hathurusingha had complained to BCB President Nazmul Hasan about the misbehavior of Shakib Al Hasan. After which the all-rounder was banned for six months. It was also said at the time that Hathurusingha wanted Mahmudullah to be dropped during the 2017 tour of Sri Lanka. He is also accused of pressuring Mashrafe Mortaza to retire from T20Is in 2017.
No tension between me and senior players
Although the head coach has clarified that there is no tension between him and the senior players of the team. This has never been a challenge for them in the past as well. “There is no tension with me, with any of the players,” Hathurusingha said in his first press conference. “I really enjoy this rivalry. When I was coaching Bangladesh, I taught the players to face any opposition and play with a lot of passion. I was proud of the performance of the players in the Nidahas Trophy and then in the Asia Cup.”
Working with senior players is not a challenge
I don’t think working with senior players will be a challenge. I have spoken to all the senior players. Everyone’s focused on one thing: Team No. 1. Everyone wants the team to do well. Even in my last days, I did not face challenges with any player.
want help setting up the system
He further added- “When I was thinking of taking up this job, I had a bigger picture in mind. I see a lot of potential in developing local coaches. I want to help set up the system.”
Hathurusingha cited the example of home advantage in India’s ongoing home series against Australia. He also explained how Bangladesh copes with tough conditions in England, Australia and New Zealand.
we have to fight a guerrilla war
He said – what is domestic advantage? What kind of wicket do we get when we go to New Zealand? What do Australia or England do when we go there? What is India doing at home? We will try to deal with what is overseas. How will you fight if we don’t have missiles? We have to fight a guerrilla war. We can’t fight them with small guns. If we don’t have ammunition, we can’t do it.
we can develop our players
Chandika further said- “So we can develop our players. Bangladesh players did well in South Africa and New Zealand. Ebadat Hossain and Najmul Hossain Shanto went to New Zealand as youngsters when I was here, they are doing well now. It takes time. We need to take home advantage. Every country is doing this.” Hathurusingha said- “I wanted to come back someday, but then during the T20 World Cup when I met the President and some officials, we discussed a few things. I thought it was the right time to come up with the ODI World Cup.” I decided to come as soon as the Big Bash was over.
