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| Sunday, 14 August 2005 |
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Valiant young Vice Captain of the Sri Lanka cricket team, Mahela Jayawardene proved his integrity as a fine batsman once again when he scored a smashing 83 runs in 97 balls winning dual awards for 'Man of the Match' and 'Man of the Series' at the Indian Oil Cup one day tri-national final on Tuesday. This is what the cricketing hero had to tell our Sunday Observer staffer Umangi de Mel, when interviewed. Mahela Jayawardena, committed friendly and honest, the totally focused cricketer sits down for a chat after the crowds have dispersed. Having been in the game for over a decade, the 28-year old Mahela contributed tremendously to the many victories that Sri Lanka has won over the years, thus he seems to be somewhat indispensable to the group of fifteen stalwart men. It all began during the wonder years at Nalanda College, "I was definitely not into aesthetic but did athletics and cricket. And also had a line of friends, but apart from that I wasn't into anything else. After I started playing cricket, I didn't have time for anything else other than my studies and cricket of course," Mahela kicks off the conversation. Hailing from a family that could spell cricket faster that any other word in the dictionary, Mahela was the lucky person who wasn't pushed into the game, nor was he deprived of playing it. "I wasn't definitely forced into the game. I've always liked it, and by the age of seven, my parents had a hunch that I loved the game. So they took me to my first teacher, Lionel Mendis at the cricket school at NCC, under whom I trained for five years. That was before I started playing for under-13 in school. Eventually I had to give up athletics which I did up to Junior Nationals, as I just didn't have time. I couldn't manage both training sessions together." Mahela talks about his family, "I get brilliant support from my parents. Even my aunts and uncles are major cricket fanatics. Basically, we are one big cricket family." I also had a younger brother who passed away eight years ago," he says. His parents always encouraged him yet watched him carefully as he also focused on his studies: Lately, Mahela's been into golf. Having started the sport a little over a year, he says despite the fact that it takes a bit of his free time, golf helps to relax. "It probably helps my cricket as well". Getting back to more cricket, Mahela captained the 1995 team back in school and while in school, he was selected to play for the Sri Lankan team quite a few times. Having toured with the team while schooling, he was also picked to play for the Sri Lankan 'A' team as well. "Then I left school and joined SSC. During the season, in '97 I made my debut against India," he says. Ample magic on field Mahela says defining his style, got a style of his own. Although his is compared to that of a senior, he seems to disagree. "Aravinda has his own style. I think I've got my own, but of course, there's a whole lot of things that you can learn from him. The way he reacts to different situations, his temperament and the way he dominates the bowlers and their mentalities. He's like a source of information, when you talk to him, you get a lot of information and it's good to get that kind of thing into your game. Not only Aravinda, but Arjuna and Hashan are equally useful. I've learnt a lot from them." The greatest high about - the whole thing is getting desires, Mahela says. Explaining how the journey has been so far, Mahela doesn't grumble at all. "No complaints as it's been brilliant so far. This is what I love to do. It's seldom that you get paid for what you love doing." Of course, he's aware of the shortcomings too, "There's a lot of pressure involved, representing the country and the amount of people who want you to do well. It's a hell of a lot of hopes. Initially, it was a bit difficult, but as you mature, you learn to handle it". Leaving no room for remorse, comprising the long line of sacrifices, Mahela looks quite satisfied as he goes on. "I captained the Sri Lankan team two years ago, for couple of one day games, played against Zimbabwe. I still haven't captained the Test matches." Being placed at the top as a sports icon could be the biggest morale boost. Yet, it could be impermanent thus scary, or is it not? "Well, it is. Actually, it's everything. Looking at it from where you are and to compete in the highest level at the moment but it's a challenge that we all take. Considering the fact that it's all in the hands of just 15 guys in the country, being part of that is obviously great," Mahela explains. Existing among people who are passionate about the game doesn't bother him at all. In fact, he seems to take the huge response positively. "Sri Lankans are very fanatical about cricket, and they love their cricketers unlike the Indians who have trouble back at home at times. The response is all part and parcel of the whole package. They respect our privacy that's all that matters. I totally enjoy living here." Procuring the titles, 'Man of the Match' and 'Man of the Series', while scoring 83 in the final round is no mean feat. "It did feel great. It gave me the feeling that I've contributed to the victory. But the most important thing is doing well as a team. That's what we all strive for. It felt much better than winning the individual awards but of course, definitely it is nice to be recognised," he says placing the words very modestly. Mahela always disliked travelling. He points out the fact that they have to travel six to seven months at times. "It's always tough to travel away from home," he comments. His life is revolved around the game, and he wouldn't wish to be in anybody else' shoes at the moment. "Cricket is life. It has helped me to be a better person and it's kept me smiling and given me a lot of things. In ten years time, I might feel differently, but this is how I feel right now," he says grinning from ear to ear. Practise sessions don't bother him. Instead, he takes it very seriously and considers it a profession. We have the fitness training which takes a few hours but I've got used to it. It's like doing a job, people work for eight hours and we put in the same amount of time. Actually it's professionalism, we get paid to do it. The more effort you put in, the more rewards you get. Mahela has been working at the Seylan Bank for the past nine years. "They've been very flexible ever since I started playing for the country. The management has been nice to the cricketers who are employed. We are given duty leave whenever we are on national duty. Mahela is yet another guy who strives to balance both his cricket and personal life. Hardly having the time to lead a normal life style, Mahela feels the urge to be normal badly, "there's more to a cricketer's life. It's hard to balance the both but I'm lucky I have a set of very understanding people around me. Hoping to tie the knot soon, Mahela talks about his better half, "I met Christina, six years ago and it's been great. She was a regular girl before I met her but now she's interested in the game because of me. She watches every match and travels with me often. She's a good friend to me, and understands me, that means a lot to me." Not very moody off the field, Mahela says he tries to be normal and switch off whenever he can. He claims to be very honest and says that he expects the same from others. Mahela recalls the best moment as a cricketer, "my debut. It was a dream of mine to play for Sri Lanka, and receiving the Test cap from the captain at a ceremony was the next best thing. I cherish those moments" Being a big rice and curry fan, he's also hooked on good movies as well. "I'm a very friendly person, or else I won't have these people around me," he reveals. Totally focused on the game on the field, Mahela believes in taking each day at a time, in real life, having not many plans for the future. |
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