Chandika interview - 'IPL has made Mustafizur more aware'

[Out_You_Go]

The Daily Star (TDS): Are you a little concerned that Mustafizur is getting a little too exposed because of the IPL [Indian Premier League]?

Chandika Hathurusingha (CH): It's the same with any bowler. The more you play, the more people get to know you. That's the nature of the game. The disadvantage is that people are getting used to him. But I think there is one benefit. He is becoming more aware of how batsmen handle him and is getting wiser in terms of using his variation and being effective. The experience he is gaining is already valuable.

TDS: Tamim Iqbal had earlier said that he was surprised with the way Mustafizur executed the yorkers regularly. Did his performance in the IPL surprise you?

CH: No, not at all. He always had the ability to bowl yorkers. He didn't use it when in the national team as much because it was probably a tactical thing. He is probably using it more in India because of the surface and conditions. If you remember the yorker with which he bowled Steven Smith in the World Cup; that was all about tactics. These are based on discussions in the team management.

He always had the skillset. If you notice, he bowls differently with the new ball in the national team. And then when the wicket tends to grip the ball a lot more towards the end, he bowls different variations. One thing about Mustafiz is that he is a very, very intelligent bowler. Not many young bowlers I have come across have picked up things so soon. He is one of those guys who has picked everything very soon and has managed to execute them as well.

TDS: There is talk about him playing in the Big Bash League. In fact, every T20 league may want him now. As a coach, how do you see this rising demand?

CH: He will definitely be a hot property for T20 leagues around. For me, it entirely depends upon his wellbeing and not so much about people getting used to his bowling. It's about him playing cricket on the park. If that is compromised then we have to think about restricting him. If it's affecting his health I'll probably advise him and the board not to do anything that hinders his wellbeing. We are not going to compromise on that. And we probably have to compensate for that as well, because you can't stop anyone. Those are the balancing acts that we need to consider.

TDS: What about his stint in Sussex?

CH: We have to see how he pulls up after the IPL. I am aware of his Sussex contract and I am in good touch with the officials there. We keep discussing. If he is fit enough and has no injuries, playing for Sussex will be very good because we have the Champions Trophy in England and getting exposed to those wickets will be good for him.

TDS: In terms of bowling in Tests, would you say he needs to add a few more tricks? Practise the art of swinging the ball, perhaps?

CH: Learning is an ongoing process, not only for Mustafiz but for any other bowler. You have to develop your skill as you play. But then again, there are limitations in every bowler because of their actions. Some bowlers can swing, some can seam. Very rarely you can get someone who can swing and seam because of different things involved. It's not a thing that you can do for a particular series. You can't be like, okay I need to swing the ball in this series and then seam it the next. It's very hard. I think it's more important for Mustafiz to understand his strengths and what he can do in different conditions.

TDS: In a recent interview, Mustafizur said that while he enjoys playing all formats, he prefers the games that are over in a day. Does that worry you a bit?

CH: Was that interview in English or Bangla?

TDS: It came on an Indian website. Was probably taken in Bangla but written in English.

CH: Don't worry about it. I know Mustafiz. If you ask him something in Bangla, it's very difficult to get it out, if you ask in English it's impossible.

But anyway, everyone has a preference. I think he is good enough to play all three formats. Sometimes when you are young your preference comes for the success rate that you have and he has just played two Tests.

TDS: Have you been following the Dhaka Premier League?

CH: I have been following it. I have sometimes followed it ball by ball as well. I am getting reports from the concerned people. It's very competitive and the pitches have been sporting. After the league we have plans of hosting practice matches that will emulate particular match scenarios, much like the ones that have taken place in the last two years.

TDS: You have spent two years with the team and you are probably set for a new contract. How does it feel?

CH: I am sorry I can only talk about this issue once I return to Bangladesh. I need the permission of the board to speak on this issue.

http://www.thedailystar.net/sports/c...-aware-1225555


- Very professional as expected for Haturi Da. Share up your thoughts as well.

[jeesh]

Extremely professional indeed. He doesnt speak one word out of line.

[Jadukor]

Always like getting Chandika's views. He has done wonders for our team and i hope BCB makes every effort to keep him with us till next WC.

Regarding Mustafiz playing IPL i think these stints just accelerate the process of figuring people out. Of course bowlers gain experience and evolve and a good bowler like Musta will always be competitive but i feel had he not played ipl there still would be a bit of mystery to him in our next few international series. Now as it stands there will be multiple tactics adopted by all teams after having seen him for so many games in IPL. He will have to work much harder for his wickets now.

[simon]

Ha-Thor said it right.

[Tigers_eye]

Haturi nailed it.

Don't worry about it. I know Mustafiz. If you ask him something in Bangla, it's very difficult to get it out, if you ask in English it's impossible.

[tiger1000]

Practise the art of swinging the ball, perhaps?

CH: Learning is an ongoing process, not only for Mustafiz but for any other bowler. You have to develop your skill as you play But then again, there are limitations in every bowler because of their actions Some bowlers can swing, some can seam. Very rarely you can get someone who can swing and seam because of different things involved.

Been saying this for ages, people expecting him to swing the ball like Jimmy Anderson

[Austin 3:!6]

IPL definitely made him a better player. After Shakib, Mustafiz is another BD player whom IPL made a sooperstar globally. I mean whenever people outside Asia thinks of Shakib, they get reminded of him in KKR shirt, playing the winning shot in 2012, dancing wildly with SRK etc. No one remembers what he does for internationals but when ever people thinks of Shakib, KKR comes in mind. Same way Musta got recogniztion thanks to IPL. Now all Aussies talking about him because Warner praised him left, right & centre after IPL. Sussex gavev him a contract. All thanks to IPL.

[mij]

Originally Posted by Austin 3:!6
IPL definitely made him a better player. After Shakib, Mustafiz is another BD player whom IPL made a sooperstar globally. I mean whenever people outside Asia thinks of Shakib, they get reminded of him in KKR shirt, playing the winning shot in 2012, dancing wildly with SRK etc. No one remembers what he does for internationals but when ever people thinks of Shakib, KKR comes in mind. Same way Musta got recogniztion thanks to IPL. Now all Aussies talking about him because Warner praised him left, right & centre after IPL. Sussex gavev him a contract. All thanks to IPL.

OK, stop boosting now.

[One World]

The whole process of selection, development and slotting in of Fizz might be another big achievement of Heath Streak, finding and developing a bowler like him happens once in 20/30 years and we do not know when we will be blessed to have a spinner who can really spin our way to a test win.

That said with due respect to the coach, it seems self-satisfactory blabber when your valuable arsenal gets exposed and whole world slowly become aware of it. If the news of Streak moving to work under BCCI is legit, it now seems more of a working resume for those coaches to allow Fizz participate in IPL which worked as a double-edged sword, when Fizz earned some money, coaches could make their say stronger for that lucrative post.

In either way BCB is the loser (tricks unfolded and no Fizz for DPL) whether fans got entertained notwithstanding.

[tiger1000]

Originally Posted by Austin 3:!6
IPL definitely made him a better player. After Shakib, Mustafiz is another BD player whom IPL made a sooperstar globally. I mean whenever people outside Asia thinks of Shakib, they get reminded of him in KKR shirt, playing the winning shot in 2012, dancing wildly with SRK etc. No one remembers what he does for internationals but when ever people thinks of Shakib, KKR comes in mind. Same way Musta got recogniztion thanks to IPL. Now all Aussies talking about him because Warner praised him left, right & centre after IPL. Sussex gavev him a contract. All thanks to IPL.

Mustafizur, had incredible hype, in England anyway after the world t20, Sussex signed him before mustafizur played in ipl... Not that am denying ipl increased mustafizurs popularity, just that ipl didn't make him the player he is

[jeesh]

Originally Posted by tiger1000
Mustafizur, had incredible hype, in England anyway after the world t20, Sussex signed him before mustafizur played in ipl... Not that am denying ipl increased mustafizurs popularity, just that ipl didn't make him the player he is

This guy gets a kick out of us fans arguing with his line of thinking. Hehe. I am surprised he is not saying Mustafizur should change his passport as he owes his talent to India.

Truth is Mustafiz was an overnight sensation since the India series. They dont remember it because they themselves were in the firing line, and as always they like to give themselves a pat in the back for everything

[Purbasha T]

Originally Posted by jeesh
This guy gets a kick out of us fans arguing with his line of thinking. Hehe. I am surprised he is not saying Mustafizur should change his passport as he owes his talent to India.

Truth is Mustafiz was an overnight sensation since the India series. They dont remember it because they themselves were in the firing line, and as always they like to give themselves a pat in the back for everything

Jees', that was blunt!

[Tausif]

Originally Posted by jeesh
This guy gets a kick out of us fans arguing with his line of thinking. Hehe. I am surprised he is not saying Mustafizur should change his passport as he owes his talent to India.

Truth is Mustafiz was an overnight sensation since the India series. They dont remember it because they themselves were in the firing line, and as always they like to give themselves a pat in the back for everything

Sweet

[Monish]

Originally Posted by jeesh
This guy gets a kick out of us fans arguing with his line of thinking. Hehe. I am surprised he is not saying Mustafizur should change his passport as he owes his talent to India.

Truth is Mustafiz was an overnight sensation since the India series. They dont remember it because they themselves were in the firing line, and as always they like to give themselves a pat in the back for everything

hmmmmmmm lunch please

[jeesh]

Originally Posted by Monish
hmmmmmmm lunch please

Go easy on the carbs ;-)

[Fazal]

The real question is not answered yet.

Is chandu da coming back or leaving?