Former Sri Lankan fast bowler Chamila Gamage who is the bowling coach of the Dambulla Vikings at the LPL said that working with players from different countries is not an easy job as he has to build up skills to suit the mentality of all individual players.
“As a coach I have to work within a limited time of two hours per practice session. Most players are technically sound but I have to look into their mental side of the preparation. They are all professional cricketers but they need advice on tactical plans most suitable against each opponent,” said Gamage.
The LPL offers all Sri Lankan coaches an opportunity to update their knowledge. Owais Shah of England is the head coach of the team and Gamage said that working with him and the support staff has given him more knowledge in coaching.
Former Sri Lanka players like Hashan Tillekaratne, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lanka de Silva (Kandy Tuskers), Rangana Herath (Colombo Kings), Upul Chandana (Galle Gladiators), Thilina Kandamby and Sachith Pathirana (Jaffna Stallions) have now got the opportunity to enhance their knowledge in coaching.
“There is a big difference between playing and coaching. A coach should know how to handle different situations,” added the former cricketer from Richmond College.
Gamage is also presently working with the national under-19 team as a bowling coach.