Chandika Hathurusinghe Profile - Cricket Player Sri Lanka | Stats, Records

Chandika Hathurusingha – Profile

Full Name: Upul Chandika Hathurusingha
Date of Birth: September 13, 1968
Place of Birth: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Role: Cricketer (Former player), Cricket Coach
Batting Style: Right-hand batsman
Bowling Style: Right-arm medium pace

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Playing Career:

Chandika Hathurusingha is a former Sri Lankan cricketer who had a modest international playing career but later rose to prominence as a coach. He was a versatile all-rounder, known for his contributions with both the bat and the ball.

International Career:

• Test Debut: August 4, 1991, vs New Zealand
• ODI Debut: March 30, 1991, vs New Zealand

Hathurusingha was an opening batsman and a handy medium-pace bowler. His international career spanned from 1991 to 1999, but it was marked by limited opportunities due to stiff competition within the Sri Lankan squad. He played 26 Tests and 35 ODIs for Sri Lanka. Despite his moderate success at the international level, he was a consistent performer in domestic cricket.

Notable Achievements:

• Hathurusingha was part of the Sri Lankan team in the early 1990s, during a transitional period when Sri Lanka was developing into a competitive force in world cricket.
• While his international numbers do not reflect great success, his ability to contribute in both departments of the game made him a valuable utility player.

Domestic Cricket: Hathurusingha had a highly successful domestic career, particularly in Sri Lanka’s Premier League, where he was recognized for his leadership and consistent performances. He played for Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club and Moors Sports Club in the domestic circuit, where he honed his skills and gained the reputation of being a reliable all-rounder.

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Coaching Career:

Chandika Hathurusingha found his true calling after transitioning from playing to coaching, where he has made a much more significant impact on the global cricketing stage.

Coaching Highlights:

• Bangladesh National Team: Hathurusingha is widely known for his transformative work with the Bangladesh national team. He served as the Head Coach from 2014 to 2017, a period during which Bangladesh cricket experienced remarkable growth, including victories over major teams like India, Pakistan, and South Africa. Under his guidance, Bangladesh qualified for the quarterfinals of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup and made it to the semifinals of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.

• Sri Lanka National Team: Hathurusingha has had multiple stints with the Sri Lanka national team. His first role came in 2009 as an assistant coach under Trevor Bayliss, and he later returned as the head coach in 2017, tasked with rebuilding a struggling team. Despite mixed results during his tenure, Hathurusingha worked on reshaping Sri Lanka’s game strategy.

• Sydney Thunder (Australia): Prior to his coaching roles in international cricket, Hathurusingha coached Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia, helping them become a competitive side in the league.

Coaching Style and Impact:

• Hathurusingha is known for his tactical approach and no-nonsense attitude. He emphasizes discipline, fitness, and a strong mental approach to the game.
• He has a reputation for being a strict disciplinarian, which has earned him respect but also led to some friction with players and boards during his tenures.

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Key Coaching Achievements:

• Bangladesh Cricket Revolution: His tenure with Bangladesh is considered a golden era for their cricket, as the team won multiple series and made progress in international tournaments.
• Guiding Emerging Talents: Hathurusingha has been credited with nurturing young talent in both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, helping them transition to international cricket.

Personal Attributes:

Hathurusingha is regarded as an astute strategist and is known for his passion for the game. His success as a coach stems from his meticulous planning and ability to get the best out of his players.

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Key Facts:

• Full Name: Upul Chandika Hathurusingha
• Born: September 13, 1968
• Nationality: Sri Lankan
• Role: Former cricketer, current international cricket coach
• Major Teams (as player): Sri Lanka, Moors Sports Club, Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club
• Coaching Career: Head coach for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka national teams, coach for Sydney Thunder (BBL)

Hathurusingha’s journey from a modest international cricketer to one of the most respected coaches in world cricket reflects his deep understanding of the game and his ability to adapt and lead teams through challenges.