Ajantha Winslow Mendis:

Captain Mahela’s new Lieutenant

By Panchamee Hewavissenti

When Mendis was dumping the balls into the stands in the cauldron of Asian Cup Final against India at the National Stadium of Karachchi, not only sports romantics, but also very capable players were held in trance by the seemingly casual flick of his magical middle finger spinning. Left-handers, Yuvraj, Raina and Pathan were sent off with no clue against aggressive balls of the ‘carromball’ spinner.

“He would have taken eight wickets had Jayawardene not removed him.” was the view of many commentators.

This mesmerising wicket hungry bowler who arrived into Sri Lankan cricket as a breath of fresh air, was practising at the SSC grounds, in a freaky way of gripping the ball between thumb and middle finger, and throwing the ball up, down and front, when I reached SSC to have a chat with this unorthodox, self-taught bowler.

We would like to know about your school cricket career.

I studied at Kadalana St. Anthony’s College till Grade 9 and then entered Moratuwa Maha Vidyalaya. I played for the Moratuwa Maha Vidyalaya under 17 cricket team as the captain.

Since I was very much engaged in cricket couldn’t excel in studies. I did my O/L in 2003 and stopped my schooling without doing A/Ls. That’s mainly because of my passion and dedication for cricket. Because I think it is difficult to balance studies with sports and I was not interested in studies.

Why did you join the Army?

As in the case of the majority who join the Army my intention was not merely to go to the battlefield and fight. The main reason was to play cricket. I joined the fourth Artillery Regiment at Panagoda.

How did it happen?

When I was playing for the Moratuwa Club, I took seven wickets in a cricket match between the Army and the club. Having being impressed by my performance, an official from the Army came to my place and invited me to join the Army and play for its cricket team.

At first I was a bit hesitant due to the image I had of the Army in my mind. My mother too was a little bit reluctant to agree with Mr. Vitharana’s suggestion of recruiting me to the Army. However my relatives convinced my mother to let me join the Army.

Do you have any battlefield experiences?

I received basic training as a soldier but I have never been in the battlefield. I mainly engaged in cricket.

You stayed at Panagoda Army Camp. How often did you visit your family at Moratuwa?

Once in a fortnight. I was the only person in my family who did not go to work outside.

All my sisters and brothers stayed and went to work from home. I was eagerly waiting to visit my family. I missed them a lot and they did too. Especially my mother. She used to prepare dishes I liked when I went home.

Your family?

I am the third in a family of five. My elder brother Aruna is working at Brandix and my elder sister Aruni is reading for an external degree.

My younger sister Rasika is getting ready for her O/Ls this year at the Moratuwa Convent. My younger brother Asanka is studying to become a Catholic priest at the Kalutara seminary.

My mother Ranjani Sriyani Fernando is a housewife. My father, Wensus Leo Mendis died before I joined the Army. I am sad that my father is not there to see my achievements. I believe that his blessings are the key to my success.

What made your foray into Sri Lanka cricket team?

Due to my performance I was selected to Development Academy and trained under coach Jerome Jayaratne. I took part in the provincial premiere series. I became the best bowler and then the cricket committee decided to recruit me for the national team.

Who are your coaches?

Prasanna Dissanayake was the school coach at Moratuwa Maha Vidyalaya. Saman Hewavitharana was my coach in the Army and I am now being trained under Neil Rajapakse.

Your way of bowling is similar to that of Jack Iverson in the 1950s who developed the method of gripping the ball between the thumb and middle finger powerfully flicking the latter either way at the point of delivery. Did you try to imitate him or did your coaches try to change your way of bowling?

No. I didn’t try to imitate Iverson. A bowling style cannot be imitated one has to have innate talent to handle the ball. My coaches did not mess around with my natural talent either. They were not obsessed with mimicking of someone else’s way of delivering the ball. Coaches helped me to develop my way of bowling.

What are your practice sessions?

I arrive at the SSC grounds around 8 in the morning for practice. I practise till 6-7 p.m. with breaks in between. Unless I have to practise for a tournament, I keep Saturday and Sunday free.

How do you spend your weekends?

Most of the times when I am at home during the weekend, I sleep. Even my family members do not disturb my sleep. Otherwise I listen to music. I love Hindi songs.

How’s the response you receive from opposite sex?

Quite a big and impressive response. Girls call me but I do not know how have they found my contact number.

When girls see me they purposely look at me and smile with me. I don’t know them but I smile with them. Even you could see how many girls smiled and came and talked to me. I do not know any of them. I’m happy to have a good response from the opposite sex as a boy of this age would rarely have that chance.

Your princess charming?

I haven’t thought of that yet. I wish I had one but I know it’s hard for me to manage romance with sports. I would be confused not knowing what to give priority, to romance or sports. I would finally end up losing both. I want to build up my sports career. This is just the start of a long journey.

So, at the moment I concentrate only on sports. I will think of settling down , may be, in five years’ time. I’m still 24. It would be ok for me to think of something what you mentioned after 30.

Was the Asia Cup your maiden international match?

I have played for Sri Lanka prior to that. When I was at the Development Squad I played for Sri Lanka against India. I represented the National team at the tour nament in the West Indies as well. I was in the IPL “Kalkata Night Riders”.

Tell about your recent promotion?

I joined the Army as a soldier. After my high level performance at the Asia Cup Final, I was promoted as a second Lieutenant on my return.

How do you feel about the new promotion?

I feel honoured and proud along with the euphoria of being world famous and receiving a promotion at such a young age.