Conroy Ievers Gunasekera, better known as C.I. the original master blaster is no more. This legendary figure in cricketing circles expired in the early hours of 29th July after becoming a nonagenarian and celebrating his 90th Birthday on July 14th. Great indeed were his exploits as a batsman. Who can ever forget his twin 72’s in the 1st and 2nd unofficial Test against the West Indies in 1949 who had bowlers of the caliber of Prior Jones and John Trim. C.I. actually made his debut against the visiting Australians led by the late Sir Donald Bradman in 1948 although he did not bat because the match had to be abandoned because of rain.
C.I. Gunasekera |
Who can also forget the merciless pounding of Australia’s Lindsay Kline in 1961 whom C.I. hammered for 28 runs in one over or the fact that C.I. beat Keith Miller of Australia to record his century with a six when both played for the Commonwealth XI in 1953. Miller duly got his century while C.I. top scored with 120 in a stand of 250 between the two for the 3rd wicket Vs England in 1953. Another Memorable Milestone was C.I.’s power packed century against Pakistan in 1949 and his equally outrageous double Century in a Gopalan trophy match or the 70 odd he tore into against England Captained by Ted Dexter. Also the fact that C.I. one of the hardest hitters of the cricket ball scored as many as 36 star studded centuries in Club and Mercantile cricket must surely be a thing of beauty in the minds of all cricket connoisseurs who were present to behold the gigantic achievements of Conroy Ievers Gunasekera.
In tennis too CI partnering his brother Dallas won the men’s doubles title at the Nationals when he was still a schoolboy. He followed this up when he represented the country against India and thus became a Double International, having also played for the All Ceylon Cricket team and captaining the side at 45 years of age when most players think of retirement. This no doubt, speaks volumes for his fitness.
Personally to the writer the late C.I. was much more than a friend or neighbour or someone who worked with him at Walker Sons & Co Ltd. I used to visit him almost every Sunday evening especially after his loving wife Doreen pre deceased him about 3 yrs ago. We used to chat till late evening and one of the things he reiterated over and over again while treating me lavishly was “when you come to my house, you’re my guest and when I come to your place you are my host.” Endless are the cricketing anecdotes that C.I. related to me.
Among them was one involving Keith Miller and Ben Navaratne who played for the Commonwealth XI in 1953 when Miller was about to open bowling for the Commonwealth XI he signaled for Ben to stand further back as wicket-keeper. Ben who obviously did not like being dictated to shouted back, “I know where to stand”. The first 3 balls that Miller bowled flew over Ben’s head and went for four byes apiece. This no doubt convinced Ben, that he ought to stand further back to a bowler of Miller’s pace, which he did.
All in all C.I. was a gentleman to his fingertips and he never hurt the susceptibilities or feelings of another by word or deed. He was also a simple and humble man right throughout his life however talented he was with both bat and ball. A finer man will not I daresay traverse this Earth again. My sympathies go out to his son Chrys and his family and may C.I. find the eternal rest that he so richly deserves. |
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