Chandika Hathurasingha, who took on the role of Bangladesh’s head coach for the second time, said he would focus more on finding a better game plan for the Bangladesh team.
He addressed the media on Wednesday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium – his first interaction with reporters in his new role.
Chandika, who is more experienced compared to his previous stint as he judged himself, spoke about his excitement and motivation for the challenges ahead.
Chandika said in his new stint as Bangladesh coach he is more focused on developing Bangladesh’s game plan in Test and T20Is.
‘Test cricket is very competitive. T20 is more popular now. So we have to find our own game plan accordingly. As a nation, we know how to play ODI cricket. We need to do well in other formats as well,’ he said.
Chandika left Bangladesh in 2017, finishing a four-year tenure as the Tigers’ head coach. But he always kept an eye on Bangladesh cricket.
‘I have always had a soft corner for Bangladesh cricket. I wanted to come back to Bangladesh someday,” he said.
‘Many players have been playing well for Bangladesh. Young players have also come up and have been doing well. So being with that team is always great,’ he added, explaining his motivation to rejoin the Bangladesh team.
Chandika plans to observe the players in the upcoming series and is relying on the opinions of other members to get a more comprehensive idea about the team. He is also focused on creating a good combination for the team in the upcoming ICC events, including a 50-over World Cup this year.
The senior players have been performing well for Bangladesh, and Chandika said he doesn’t see their roles changing much in his new tenure. He believes that with his increased experience and better understanding of Bangladesh cricket, along with the support of local coaches, he will be able to guide the team forward.
Chandika jokingly added, when he was asked if he is going to change as a coach this time, that he is a bit older this time compared to his previous stint as Bangladesh’s coach.
The 54-year-old coach spoke fondly of the rivalry between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka teams that emerged largely when he was coach of Sri Lanka.
Right after he had left Bangladesh in 2017, BCB President Nazmul Hasan said that Chandika questioned Shakib Al Hasan’s commitment for the team. And now, Chandika will have to work with Shakib who is the captain in ODIs and T20Is.
When he was asked about the same, Chandika chose to play safe, saying he is not aware of the comments of BCB president.
Bangladesh team is now gearing up for the England series for a three match ODI and three match T20Is at home starting from March 1.
Source: United News of Bangladesh