Chandika Hathurusinghe is known to be a strict taskmaster who doesn’t hold back in his communication with players, officials, or journalists. However, during his time in Rawalpindi, Bangladesh coach Hathurusinghe displayed a more emotional side.
Upon being asked about his experience in Dhaka amidst political unrest, Hathurusinghe struggled to contain his emotions. He expressed his sympathy for the families of those affected by the turmoil and hoped for a return to normalcy in the country soon.
Despite typically keeping their focus on cricket, Hathurusinghe acknowledged the significance of bringing hope to a nation grappling with political turmoil through sports. He also expressed his desire to continue as Bangladesh’s head coach, though he remains open to the decisions of the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
Unable to join the team in training in Dhaka, Hathurusinghe praised the depth of the Bangladesh pace department and discussed their strategy for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan. He highlighted the potential of their fast bowlers and the importance of adjusting to the conditions in Pakistan.
While acknowledging concerns about Bangladesh’s batting performance, especially in tough conditions, Hathurusinghe remained optimistic about their prospects in Pakistan. He emphasized the need for a balance between bat and ball and expressed confidence in his team’s ability to deliver better results on the pitches in Pakistan.