Russell Domingo's relationship with senior cricketers is no secret. After becoming the coach of Bangladesh, these things came regularly in the media. Russell Domingo has always remained silent in this regard. The South African coach spoke openly about these for the first time. The second and final part of the interview conducted by Mohammad Zubair—
How to rate Mahmudullah's T20 captaincy?
Domingo: In my opinion he is a great captain. Worked great in difficult times. His batting has been criticized a lot. But I have enough confidence in his T20 batting. Very surprised to see the captaincy taken away from him. I feel bad for him. Because, I know, he wanted to lead another World Cup. However, it is up to the board. The board did what it thought best.
What to say about Muminul Haq?
Domingo: Muminul can be called a 'reluctant captain', he doesn't seem to enjoy being the captain. I encouraged him time and again for captaincy. Because of this, he may sometimes be a little angry with me. He used to say jokingly, 'My life became difficult because of you.' But I wanted him to develop himself as a captain. Because he has that, as the mindset for Test cricket should be. His abdication made me a little disappointed. We have lost a lot of matches under his leadership, but also created chances to win a few matches. I lost very close. The Test team has improved a lot during his time. The results may not say so, but it has improved. Muminul tried his best. But finally could not
How did you see Shakib Al Hasan as a captain?
Domingo: Having Shakib back in Tests is a big deal. He played very few Tests. Shakib's absence was the biggest challenge of Muminul's captaincy. Now that he is the captain, that means he will play Tests regularly. It's good for the team. I always say to Shakib, your biggest challenge is not on the field but off the field. Because, tactically he will do well. Will also perform. It must be ensured that he is always ready to play Tests. Because he is a great cricketer. Now it seems, he is trying to improve the Test team. This is a good sign.
There has been a lot of talk about your relationship with the experienced cricketers of the Bangladesh team. How is your understanding with them now?
Domingo: I have been working in Bangladesh for three years. I've had the best relationship with all the cricketers at some point, if I had to say it, it's now. Especially with veterans. It took a long time to build this relationship. Many may have thought in the beginning, why am I not playing this version, why am I playing this version. The relationship is very good now that all experienced cricketers are now clear about these things. It took time. This is for the experienced. It took me two years to develop a good relationship with my de Villiers too. Veterans have a personality, a place for pride. It takes time everywhere to remove that barrier and create a space of trust.
You have made some tough decisions regarding them. If I talk about Mashrafe bin Murtaza, how did you handle his omission?
Domingo: I don't want to say anything about Mashrafe. Because, got him for only three matches.
What about the rest?
Domingo: The others know now, from what thought I have made hard decisions about them. I think they understand it now.
I want Mushfiqur not to lose ODI and Test batting in an effort to prove himself in T20.
Russell Domingo
If I ask to explain the matter of Mushfiqur Rahim...
Domingo: Talking about Mushy's T20I, I didn't want his Test and ODI batting to be ruined because of his T20I batting. I have seen how much it can hurt veterans. Take Hashim Amla. I worked with him for seven years. He was crazy about playing T20. That's why the Test average dropped from 55 to 45 in the last two years of his career. I was warning Mushi not to go that way. He should not lose his ODI and Test batting in trying to prove himself in T20.
Had Riyadh stayed in the Test, we wouldn't have got Yasir. Couldn't play Lytton regularly.
Russell Domingo
What was the reason behind the exclusion of Mahmudullah from the Test?
Domingo: Riyad is 38. Another middle order I had to build for the future. If the veterans leave suddenly and new ones come suddenly, then the team has not benefited. I want to keep one or two veterans and develop one or two new batsmen. If we had stayed in Riyadh, we would not have got Yasir. Couldn't play Lytton regularly. Maybe they didn't understand these things then. But now seeing the bigger picture.
The relationship was not very good for some time. Last 8 to 9 months our relationship is going very well.
Russell Domingo
I heard you had a big fight with Tamim Iqbal…
Domingo: In the beginning, I thought I had a good relationship with him. Then we had some trouble. The relationship was not very good for some time. But life does not stop. He is the captain of the team. i am coach We had to find ways to work together for the good of the team. Last 8 to 9 months our relationship is going very well. We have the same thinking about the 50 over game. He takes my comments about his batting seriously.
How was the position of young people in the dressing room after taking the first responsibility?
Domingo: Most were overshadowed by veterans. I gave more importance to them. I have given the opportunity to be independent. I asked to take responsibility for my performance. Now they speak directly in team meetings. Share your opinion. Now they understand that they are important too. When I arrived, the whole culture was about dominating the veterans and stifling the young. But everyone is important in a team. Young, experienced, assistant coach or physio.
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