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Thomian chat with Sasi
By Bernie Wijesekera
The Ganeshan brothers Sasi and Ajith learnt ABC’s of cricket
at their alma mater S. Thomas’. These two brothers in their
tenure at school left an indelible impression that is still spoken
of. The older of the two, soft-spoken Sasi, is now serving as a
senior executive at Singapore Airlines. He led the Thomians in 1976
to emerge unbeaten champions, at the ‘Best Schools Team’
at The Sunday Times awards.
The
two brothers had many firsts. Sasi captained the school in 1976,
whilst Ajith in 1977. It is a rare feat for two brothers to lead
the Thomians in two successive years. Sasi was a sedate opener,
who contributed much for the teams’ success. Ajith a dynamic
bowling allrounder (left arm leggie) went one better to represent
Sri Lanka Under-19 (schools) team led by Ranjan Madugalle for the
Ali Bhutto Trophy. Sasi, too could have made it, but was overage.
Q: What made you get interested in cricket?
A: My father encouraged me and my brother to play as kids. Even
bowled and fielded by himself (under 10). Later it was Bertie Wijesinghe
who improved our skills. Thanks to his foundation at grassroots
level. Then we followed it up with Stanley Jayasinghe, who polished
the rough edges at junior level. I captained the Thomian Under-12,
14, 16 before leading the first XI champion team.
Q: Who were the players in that team?
A: Ajith (vice captain), Michael Jayasekera, Ishak Shahabdeen,
Saliya Ahangama, Guy de Alwis.
Q:
What was your most unforgettable moment in your career?
A: Quite a number. My first year (1974) in the BIG Match
against Royal I had an opening partnership with “Turner”
Mohamed of 110 runs under huge pressure. I contributed 48. The other
match I played against Royal was in 1976 when I led the Thomians.
In that game we made 229 for 7 declared and then bundled out Royal
for 115. Imagine it was a two-day game, starting at 12 noon. Royal
made to follow on, but Ranjan Madugalle stood firm. He batted stoutheartedly
to thwart a certain Thomian victory. Royal were 164 for 7 at close.
Unlike at present times, school cricket was very competitive at
school level. There were big crowds, plenty of excitement for the
diehards to enjoy to the end. Players of the calibre of Sidat Wettimuny,
Tilan Wijesinghe (Ananda), Anura Ranasinghe (Nalanda) Ajitha Pasquel,
Susantha Ratnayake (present chairman John Keells), Ramesh de Silva
(Royal), Dushan Soza, Rohan Wijesinghe (St. Joseph’s) etc
some of the players of my time. They could have walked into a Sri
Lanka side.
Q:
What have you got to say about the game now and then?
A: Those days we were proud to wear our school blazer.
But, today’s youth are a different lot due to various factors.
Apparently in some quarters indiscipline has raised its ugly head.
Those who control the game at grassroots level too are answerable
for this downward trend.
Q: Who were your cricketing idols?
A: My cricketing idols are Vivian Richards and Sri Lanka’s
little dynamo Aravinda de Silva. Both have done proud for their
respective countries. In the World Cup finals in 1979 West Indies
beat England at Lords and Sri lanka beat mighty Australia in Lahore
in 1966. Viv. Scored 136 n.o./, with a last ball six off Mike Hendricks.
Aravinda made a flamboyant 100 and paved the way for Sri Lanka to
climb the Everest. Of course with an unstinted team effort led by
Ranatunga. Since then it has been a downward trend. All cricket
brains must forget the past and get their act together in the interest
of the game and the country. Heal the gaping wounds of the game
and bring back the past glories.
Q:
Did you play club cricket?
A: Yes, for the Tamil Union. Opened batting with Tilan
Wijesinghe. A young team led by late S.S. Kumar.
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