Ahead of the IPL 2020, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Director of Cricket Mike Hesson admitted to sometimes regretting not being able to play when he sees flat wickets.
Hesson, who was associated with Otago cricket for 15 years, took up coaching at the very young age of 32.
He took charge as Kenya's coach for a two-year term but resigned after less than a year to become New Zealand’s head coach in 2012.
During his tenure, the Black Caps achieved great success as he served the team till 2018. Hesson also guided the Kiwis to the final of the 2015 World Cup
"Yes, I had a few injuries from a back perspective but also got an opportunity to be the director of cricket from a young age which was a really fortunate opportunity and I loved it. I absolutely loved coaching and loved the opportunity to engage with probably with different levels that gave me plenty of experience. Yeah, I regret not playing at times when I see flat wickets but other than that I'm happy," Hesson said in a video posted by RCB's official Twitter handle.
Talking about his stint with the Kenyan side, the former coach said, "The Kenyan players are semi-professional in terms of how they operate, the facilities are tough so you have to be really flexible in what you do."
Hesson termed it 'special' to coach his home country New Zealand.
"I absolutely loved coaching Kenya but coaching your home nation New Zealand and doing good things was pretty special," he said.
Speaking of his experience in India, the 45-year-old Hesson said he always felt welcome in the cricket-crazy nation and also revealed that he represented his country in badminton ] during his early days.
"Obviously, I love cricket but I think Indians embrace all nations and I always felt welcome there. Coach is a lot more serious and probably a lot more outgoing I think. I have played underage badminton for New Zealand when I was growing up. Obviously, I was a bit more athletic than I'm now. I loved that and managed to do a little bit of travelling around that kept me fit. I was more a doubles specialist so in terms of opening the batting it was probably a good mix," Hesson concluded.
