Frustrating to communicate with Bangladesh players who don’t understand English: Herschelle Gibbs

Herschelle Gibbs isn’t having the greatest of times in the ongoing BPL 2019-20. Gibbs, the head coach of the Sylhet Thunder, has found it tough to communicate with the local Bangladesh players, who don’t understand English. The former South African cricketer reckons that due to the language barrier, he is not being able to deliver his message to the players.

The lack of communication can be comprehended from the fact the Thunder are languishing at the bottom of the points table. After eight matches, the Thunder, led by Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, have won a solitary game against Khulna Tigers. Gibbs also questioned the temperament of the players.

I mean it’s difficult for me to explain to them: Herschelle Gibbs

“About local players, a lot of them don’t understand English. So, it’s difficult for me to make points all the time. It’s a frustrating thing. When I talk with them I can see that they are listening but they are not really syncing in,” Gibbs was quoted as saying in Dhaka Tribune.

“I think the understanding of the game needs to be improved. And another thing is, they are very temperamental. I mean it’s difficult for me to explain to them because they don’t understand it properly,” the veteran added.

Gibbs also highlighted how he was not being able to communicate with Rubel Mia, who made his BPL debut in the game against the Tigers in Mirpur. Rubel scored 39 off 44 in a 62-run opening stand with Andre Fletcher. But at one point in time, he was playing at a strike-rate of around 50.

“I will give you an example. The other day Rubel Mia was opening the batting and he was on 14 off 28 deliveries. I walked on to the field during time-out and I said to him, ‘What is happening, you got 14 off 28 balls?’ And in reply, he just shook his head! It’s not his fault solely but this is the reality,” he added.

After a poor start to the BPL, the Thunder are set to play their first match of the season at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Saikat’s men will be locking horns with the Cumilla Warriors and another loss will officially knock them out of the tournament.