'we are on the right path'0

Since taking over as Bangladesh’s head coach for a second time, Chandika Hathurusingha gives off the impression of being more level-headed and collected, as well as having put in the necessary preparation. 

The Sri Lankan is in Bangladesh with the intention of improving the way cricket is played there via both short-term and long-term planning. In the first of a two-part interview, the 54-year-old discussed his intentions for rebuilding the grassroots level, improving the pipeline, and a few other issues with Mazhar Uddin of The Daily Star. The interview will be published in two parts. The following are the excerpts:

DS: When you joined for a second term, you mentioned wanting to put more of an emphasis on cultivating local resources and grassroots support. Have you presented the board with any ideas or proposals that you have for enhancing the domestic structure?

CH: What I had discussed was the need of having a system in place, and for that, I had suggested David Moore, who was the general manager of cricket in New South Wales. He started working at BCB before I did and has accomplished several tasks while he was there. Additionally, we went in front of the board once to present our thoughts. As a result, we have begun the process of developing a framework for the Bangla Tigers program, the High Performance unit, and the coaching methods. I believe that he (Moore) is even concentrating on bringing in umpires, coaching mentors, and other such individuals and resources. Therefore, these things are in place; nevertheless, the implementation of them will take some time. On the other hand, we were able to act promptly on the items that were available to us.

Because there are eight teams participating in the National Cricket League (NCL) and four teams participating in the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL), respectively, the competition in both competitions is of a high caliber.

However, a player who plays for one team in the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL), another club in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), and still another team in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) does not know which specific side he may refer to as his “home” squad. Where exactly does he intend to work out if that is the case [during the off-season]? That’s where we have the most room for development. I

f I am not selected for the national team in Sri Lanka, I am free to practice at my club since it is considered to be my home. The same is true for me in Australia. In light of this, David and I came up with the idea of establishing eight centers around the map where players may construct a home base and get in some extra practice.

That is a project with a long-term outlook, and in the near term, the players involved are breaking into the national set-up and the HP squad. We make it a point to impart onto them not just strategic knowledge and the development of talents, but also an understanding of nutrition, physical fitness, game awareness, and self-assurance. After that, we narrow it down to the very top candidates and move them up the line toward the national set-up. We need a system like that, preferably one that includes the HP unit and the Bangla Tigers program. 

Enhancing the expertise of the local coaches, physiotherapists, and trainers is another way that we can lend a hand in this endeavor. If the facilities at those centers have proper nets and indoor nets, then they won’t need to go all the way to Dhaka to get their training.

Because of this, the level of competitiveness in the NCL will increase, and the players will learn how to compete while remaining calm under pressure. All of that will occur when there are excellent individuals in the area and when there is competition. They have a sufficient degree of talent, which is the reason they are competing at that level. The board did a commendable job by putting together some quality wickets. And what did the outcome turn out to be? The hitters are improving their performance while facing excellent speed bowlers, and we are getting some good fast bowlers. My opinion is that we are heading in the right direction.

DS: There is some concern that Bangladesh does not have a sufficient number of players in the pipeline. Have you thought of any strategies that may be used to improve the pipeline?

CH: You claim that there are no players in the pipeline, yet from what I can see, there are a lot more players waiting for their chance in the pipeline. I get the impression that there is a lot in the works. When I look at the fast-bowling unit, there are perhaps seven or eight guys competing for three or four spots. However, we are only allowed to play a maximum of three players, unless one of them is an all-rounder.

Additionally, there is fierce rivalry for positions in the batting department. In response to your inquiry, I would be very interested in seeing a couple spinners. I have been crying for a leg-spinner for quite some time. Since 2014 or 2015, the phrase has served as my guiding principle. That is one location that I really want to check out. However, due to the fact that Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam have already established themselves, it is very difficult for other men to break through at this point.

There is competition, but what I’m looking for is a small subset of guys that have the potential to genuinely play at a world-class level. And then, in terms of a leg-spinner, and possibly a little bit in terms of all-rounders or fast-bowling all-rounders, you could argue that we are missing in those areas.

DS: It would seem that the majority of the rookies who make it into the national team are not ready for international cricket because of the challenges they experience in local tournaments. As a result, they are forced to master new skills when competing internationally. What are your thoughts on that matter?

It is a significant step up from playing local cricket to competing internationally for countries such as Sri Lanka and us on the subcontinent, with the exception of India, whose performance has improved in recent years. In my opinion, India and Australia are the countries with the smallest difference between their own internal norms and those of the international community. However, for every other nation, this is a step up, and it will take some time.

It is necessary for us to narrow this gap, and I believe that is the direction we are moving in right now. I believe that we are making progress toward our goal as a result of the strong domestic structure that we have in terms of the programs. There are two championships that go for four days, one that is well-established for 50 overs, and the British Premier League, which is an excellent competition for twenty overs. 

Consequently, I believe that we are moving in the correct way. It is beneficial to have strong competitors. The Dhaka Premier League is largely responsible for our in-depth familiarity with the 50-over format of the game. I have no idea whether or not it has been there for more than half a century. Because of this, we are able to compete effectively in this style.

The Daily Star (DS): [translated] When you compare your present role to the one you played when you first started, have you seen any significant changes in the players that are now competing?

Chandika Hathurusingha (CH): I believe that the most significant difference that I have seen is a shift in the work ethic. They have developed a better work ethic. They are aware that exercising with a high intensity rather than a large amount is more effective than training with a large amount. They were more proactive this time around, performing their own job rather than waiting for directions, especially the ones who had been there previously [during Hathurusingha’s initial stay in 2014]. That is the most significant dissimilarity. Their physical condition has been significantly improved, and there is now far more competition for each job.

DS: And what do you think of the newcomers?

CH: Some of the younger individuals, such as Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, and Hasan Mahmud — these guys know what they are doing. I have not seen them. To put it another way, they possess a high level of physical prowess, in addition to a more well-rounded and highly developed skill set. For example, [because to the presence of young players], the fielding has much improved.

DS: Have you made any plans for the future of Bangladesh or for yourself?

CH: As a leader, one of my primary goals is to get the very best performance out of the individuals I’m responsible for. That should be the goal. It brings me joy to provide the optimal conditions for the athletes to achieve their goals. If I am able to create an atmosphere like that, I will consider it a successful endeavor. It is not about how well things turn out. If I provide them with the tools they need and help them reach their full potential, the outcome will take care of itself.

For instance, I am gathering individuals who have access to various resources. I am neither a mental coach, nor am I a psychologist. Neither of those careers interests me. Because of this, I am able to bring them in and surround the players with professional assistance so that they may develop into the finest versions of themselves. For me, it’s about ensuring that the atmosphere and the culture are positive, as well as making sure that everyone is contributing positively to the team.

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