Chennai, February 20 Overwhelmed by emotions but content with the memories he made, Afghanistan's English coach Jonathan Trott has bid farewell to the role that became his "accidental" four years ago.
The 44-year-old Trott stepped down from the position that was originally offered to fellow Englishman Graham Thorpe, who could not take it up at that time. Afghanistan ended their campaign on Thursday with an 82-run win over Canada in their final group game after being eliminated from contention for the Super Eights.
Trott recounted his tenure with the side that has grown to be a serious contender in the white-ball formats, while managing his emotions.
Under Trott's leadership, Afghanistan came very close to qualifying for the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final, and also made it to the knockout stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
"Maybe the timing is right, maybe it isn't. I don't know, but I wish everyone the best in the future. I'm very grateful for the opportunity. I got the opportunity by chance. Graham Thorpe was supposed to be the coach, and unfortunately, he couldn't take up the role," he said in the post-match interaction.
"I then got offered the job and took it with both hands. So, I'm here by chance. I gave it my all. I hope the players can see the love that I have for the game and the care that I have for them as players and as people," he added.
Trott, who was born in South Africa, said one of the biggest takeaways for him was the personal growth of the players that he witnessed firsthand.
"…the great joy for me in this job is being able to see the players develop both on and off the field, and to see lives change, not just on the field but to see the ability of players to change their families' fortunes and trajectory as a family and as a group of people," he said.
"So, I think through this game, we've been able to see that, and to be able to play a small part in that is very satisfying.
"Forget the cricket side, seeing guys equip themselves and develop as young boys when I took over and developing into young men is something that is very worthwhile," he noted.
Asked if he had felt emotional over the last few days or throughout the tournament, Trott acknowledged that feelings had been heavy with the mixed results in the tournament, adding to the chaos in his mind.
"I think I've caught myself at times where I just think we've been a little bit unlucky at times. Obviously, we'd love a centimetre or two against South Africa to get across the line," he said, referring to the devastating loss to the Proteas after two Super Overs.
"Who knows how South Africa would have played the next game against New Zealand if we had won that game in normal time and not extra time, or even if we'd wanted an extra time or the Super Over.
"...I'm very thankful for the opportunity, and that's all I have to really say on that," he added.