DHAKA: Returning Bangladesh cricket coach Chandika Hathurusingha said Wednesday he did not intend to shake up the team, despite his tempestuous relationship with top players during his first stint at the helm.
The former Sri Lanka batsman, 54, was widely hailed as the architect of some of the national side’s finest moments, including ODI series wins against Pakistan, India and South Africa.
However, he was often reported to be at loggerheads with Bangladesh’s senior cricketers, including current captains Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, while coaching from 2014-17.
Hathurusingha said he was “more experienced now” than during his earlier tenure and said the team’s veterans had been performing well.
“I don’t think their roles will change much,” said Hathurusingha, who arrived back in the country on Sunday.
“Many players have been playing well for Bangladesh. Young players have also come up and played well. So being with that team is always great. It motivates me,” he told reporters in Dhaka.
Hathurusingha coached the Sri Lanka national team and New South Wales after quitting Bangladesh in November 2017 following a disappointing South Africa series.
He replaces Russell Domingo, who stepped down in December with a year left on his contract after a disappointing Test series defeat at home to India.
Hathurusingha’s appointment this month contracts him for two years and begins with a tour by England, who arrive Friday for three ODIs and three T20 matches next month.
Bangladesh has performed best in 50-over matches in recent years but Hathurusingha said the team needed to lift its game elsewhere.
“Test cricket is very competitive. T20 is more popular now. So we have to find our own game plan,” he said.
“As a nation, we know how to play ODI cricket. We need to do well in other formats as well,” he said.
READ: Quetta to host 34th National Games in May, announces POA
LAHORE: Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam on Monday opened up about the selection of pace…
Pakistan's fast bowler, Mohammad Amir, will not be travelling with the team to Ireland on…
LAHORE: Pakistan's white-ball captain Babar Azam on Monday revealed the reason for the exclusion of…
Sporting Lisbon were crowned champions of Portugal for only the second time in 21 years…
Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani on Sunday scaled the 8,485 meters Mount Makalu, one of the…
Pakistan women’s cricket team touched down at Heathrow Airport, London on Sunday via Dubai to…