Bangladesh former captain and team director Khaled Mahmud believes that Chandika Hathrusingha would be an acceptable campaigner to uplift the Bangladesh national team’s performance in the upcoming days.
Following the resignation of Russell Domingo, the Bangladesh Cricket Board reappointed former Sri Lankan coach Hathurusingha on a two-year contract.
The veteran arrived in the country on Monday for the commencement of his second stint with the Tigers.
‘As much as I know him, I am thinking of a lot of positives regarding him , perhaps to take us forward from our current position.’
Mahmud also acknowledged that Hathurusingha was the coach under whose tutelage the Bangladesh national team could overcome their never-ending woes in 2014 and also earn a few monumental wins by marking their maiden spot in the quarterfinals of the 2015 ICC World Cup along with the semifinals of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.
He also believed that the 54-year-old had evolved into an experienced coach who would undoubtedly lead the Tigers to some golden success in their upcoming competitions.
‘We were not an experienced side when Hathurusingha was nominated as our coach in his initial stint. He could make the team a driving force as we started winning matches.’
‘However, this time he would find a more mature side, and simultaneously, he could have developed himself as a professional. As a result, we can expect Bangladesh to achieve a few more great things under his new reign.
Hathurisingha is set to start his second phase with the Tigers with a heavyweight home series against the touring England starting on March 1 that includes three one day internationals alongside the similar number of Twenty20 internationals.
Although Mahmud admitted that the series would be difficult for the hosts due to the presence of a large number of big names on the world champion's side, he also desired to win the ODI series due to the Tigers' extensive track record of success in limited overs cricket in their backyard.
‘Being the world’s top side, the challenge is everywhere against England. "There is no doubt that we are also a strong side in the ODIs, therefore we can expect a series win against them,’ adding that they are still lagging behind in the Tests and T20Is.
The 51-year-old, who has been on leave as the Bangladesh national team director, further clarified he is unlikely to return to the role in the approaching series against England as well.
‘No, I don’t think so. Since it is our home series, therefore, I think we all need to be there. Let the series be finished, and then we will see that everyone of the board BCB] will be available here since it’s our home series.’
