Vihan Gunasekera (DSS) Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer – All Island
Vihan Gunasekera
With a heavy flow of votes in the final week, DS Senanayake College cricketer Vihan Gunasekera surged to the top as Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer-All Island 2018. The huge support from his teammates, schoolmates, the OBA and well-wishers, was the secret behind Vihan’s achievement.
An elegant, left-handed top order batsman, Gunasekera had scored over 600 runs this season, while taking over 30 wickets with his off-spinners. On leaving school, his main ambition is to continue with his cricket and hopes to play in the Premier Division. According to Vihan, to be a complete cricketer, the important elements are planning, dedication, application and sacrifice. Having represented his school from Under-11 to Ist XI, Viham’s honesty and humble qualities helped him in his endeavours.
Honouring the school motto ‘Country before Self’ this all-round cricketer steps on to the field with a motto of his own, ‘School Before Self’. Always plays to win, while maintaining the best traditions of the game. As the one-drop batsman of the side, when he walks out to take strike, this cool headed batsman disregards whatever the situation at the time, and gets his eye in without letting the bowlers get on top. Self confidence is the main necessity for a cricketer throughout his career. Coordination with the batsman at the other end, has paved the way for Vihan to be involved in noteworthy partnerships.
As a senior member of the team, his main advice to the juniors is not to fear the opposition or the situation. Always make full use of the chances that come your way. Never get into a shell when batting and rotate the strike till you get set. These advices have produced results, as the DSS juniors had a big hand in the school’s achievements this season.
Vihan paid a huge tribute to his parents for their faith in him through his ups and downs. He said he owes much to his coaches from Sarath Perera to present coach Tharanga Dammika, not forgetting his uncle Ruwan Kalpage.