Bipin Dani
Sri Lanka’s loss is Bangladesh’s gain. Yes, South Africa’s Russell Domingo, who has been named as Bangladesh head coach was very much on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) radar and was one of the shortlisted candidates to replace Chandika Hathrusingha.
Speaking exclusively over telephone from South Africa, Domingo said, “yes, I was approached and did have some sort of discussions with the SLC. They were also in contact with my agent but the process there was taking some time and in the meantime, I got this (Bangladesh) offer and I accepted it”.
Apparently, Hathrusingha’s issues with SLC are not sorted out yet, so he missed the Bangladesh bus.
Domingo is not wasting any time and within 72-hours of his appointment, he is flying to Bangladesh on Monday.
Incidentally, barring spin bowling coach Daniel Vettori from New Zealand, Bangladesh team has batting coach (Neil McKenzie) and bowling coach (Charl Langeveldt) also from South Africa.
“My work with the team will begin from Tuesday. It will be advantageous to work with the fellow South African support staff. I have worked with them all in the past, so it will be easier”.
“I have begun following Bangladesh cricket from its grass-root level and now can’t wait anymore to work with the players”, he signed off.
Domingo will soon consult the High Performance coaches and plan the road map ahead for the team.
It may here be noted that unlike the Indian cricket board, the BCB did not rate out the preferences or even name the coaches they interviewed, thus not to put the unsuccessful candidates in an embarrassing situation.
