Eager to change the fortunes
View(s):Pix by Amila Gamage
Nalin Perera (Capt)
The days of cricket in Gurukula Vidyalaya Kelaniya are not the same after they reached the Division I segment in schools cricket last season, now they are really in the big league.
Nothing has been the same for these cricketers who are surviving among the fittest for the past 32 years, after they reached the top. With many burdens behind their back, Gurukula Vidyalaya surely may have overcome the major hurdle by going through a successful debut season in Division I, but they like to consider their effort as a blessing for the future.
This was evidently displayed with the completion of the first season by winning nine games from 16 matches while losing a couple. This feat was performed by the Gurukula cricketers despite the unavailability of basic needs that is required to stay in the game. In fact last season was the first ever full year Gurukula played cricket on turf pitches, having accustomed themselves on matting surfaces for the past 31 years.
Roshan Anuruddha
But the gritty youngsters, who are not as privileged as other cricketers from well-to-do schools when it comes to facilities, are eager to change the fortunes of Gurukula Vidyalaya in the schools cricket arena.
This season they can be considered as an experienced outfit after losing just two players from last year’s squad. They possess players who have gone to the extent of participating in the recently conclude Under-19 Provincial tournament and the representing the Sri Lanka Under-17 side.
Hashan Dumindu
The side mainly rides on the experience of allrounders Nalin Perera the present captain, last year’s skipper Roshan Anuruddha, Hashan Dumindu the present deputy skipper, Lisula Lakshan, Namal Pathum and Nipul Madushanka.
The coach Lal Senaratne stated that this year’s side is a relatively improved team in comparison with last year.
Their batting line up is bolstered by the presence of experienced contenders Hashan Dumindu, Roshan Anuruddha, Lisula Lakshan and Kasun Madushanka. The bowling attack is spearheaded by leg-spinner Namal Pathum while Dumindu and Nipul Madushanka come in handy as spinners for his assistance. Leading the pace attack is skipper Perera who has the backing of Jayamal Wanniarachchi and Anuruddha.
The coach stated that with the amount of talent that he has seen over the years, he can rate this year’s side as one of the most balanced sides to come out in the recent times. With all five matches being played ending as draws, Gurukula hopes to peak by the time they play their tenth game and target at least four wins by the time the season comes to an end.
- NA
| Gurukula College cricket squad – 2013 | ||
| Player | Batting style | Bowling style |
| Nalin Perera (Capt) | Right hand | Right-arm fast |
| Hashan Dumindu (VC) | Right hand | Right-arm off-spin |
| Roshan Anuruddha | Right hand | Right-arm fast |
| Namal Pathum | Right hand | Right-arm leg-spin |
| Lisula Lakshan | Right hand | Wicketkeeper |
| Kasun Madushanka | Right hand | – |
| Shashin Dilranga | Right hand | – |
| Anjana Nimnath | Right hand | Right-arm off-spin |
| Lahiru Madushan | Right hand | Right-arm fast |
| Lahiru Chamara | Left hand | Left-arm leg-spin |
| Chanaka Dilshan | Right hand | Right-arm fast |
| Nipul Maduka | Right hand | Right-arm leg-spin |
| Christy Ashan | Right hand | – |
| Kasun Jayasanka | Right hand | – |
| Jayamal Wanniarachchi | Right hand | Right-arm fast |
| Damitha Hasitha | Right hand | Left-arm leg-spin |
| Shehan Lakshitha | Left hand | – |
| Officials: Lal Senaratne (Coach), Mahesh Sirimewan (MIC) | ||
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