World Cup 2015: This team believes in itself, says Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha
Bangladesh sent England packing and booked their place in the quarter-finals against India. (Source: AP)
Bangladesh chief coach Chandika Hathurusingha believes that his team deserves a place in the quarterfinal – a match against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Sri Lankan-born coach talks about the side’s potential and why this team is peaking at the right time. Excerpts. (Full Coverage| Points table| Fixtures)
On last-eight spot
For us, we have nothing to prove to anyone because we know that we are good. And that’s precisely the reason we are here. We are here to embrace the opportunity presented to us and enjoy the situation. I think key is to play to our potential. The key to beating an established side, on a day, is that we have to play to our potential. If the established side does not measure up, we can beat them.
On India’s bowlers
India are playing very good cricket. They are a good batting side. But the key has been how well their fast bowlers have bowled. That’s one area that we would probably keep an eye on.
On team ethics
I can’t speak about past as I have not seen Bangladesh’s dressing rooms of earlier times. But this team believes in itself. I think we always talk about clear role for our players. The boys have been told to play with freedom. We are not afraid to make decisions in the middle and the culture we have created in the dressing room has also helped.
On recipe for success
I don’t think there is any secret to our success. The preparation was thorough. Not playing a lot of cricket in the lead up to the World Cup was a good thing as we reached Brisbane a bit early to acclimatise. That was a key thing. Also we are peaking at the right time. All our key players are in form and there are lesser number of injuries. The players are improving with every game.
Source:: Indian Express
