A few years back, the five-year-old Sharujan Shanmuganathan’s elegant cover drive was caught on camera during the Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia. “That’s a little Kumar Sangakkara” commented Tony Greig as young Sharujan’s cover drive resembled that of Kumar Sangakkara and soon the young kid was turning heads all around the world.
Not much has been heard of him in the last couple of years so we, ThePapare.com, decided to meet up with the young man and find out what he’s been up to.
Sharujan, who was born in 2006, had shown signs of interest in cricket when he was less than a year old. Young Sharu was not only gifted with the talent of elegant batting but also showed skill in bowling and fielding. He was also keen on becoming a wicket keeper like his idol Kumar Sangakkara.
Sharujan got the opportunity to play in the inter-house cricket tournament organised by CCC School of Cricket in 2013. Playing in the under-10 category he displayed some stunning all-round skill and grabbed the best bowler, player of the tournament and player of the final awards.
He went on to win the player of the final award again in another tournament conducted by CCC School of Cricket to commemorate its 16 year anniversary in 2014. He also successfully led his team to claim the championship in the under-10 category.
Sharujan was part of the CCC School of Cricket team which travelled to Bangalore to take part in the Imtiaz Ahmed – Nelson Mendis challenge trophy. Having just turned nine, ‘Little Sanga’ represented the under-12 team and was adjudged the Player of the Series with 2 wickets and 118 runs to his name, including a stroke-filled half-century.
Sharu’s dad Nathan Shanmuganathan, a professional photographer coming from a middle-class background gives his maximum support to his little son and escorts him to daily practices. Shanmuganathan himself was very passionate about cricket and is an ardent Sri Lankan cricket fan.
Talking about his son, Shanmuganathan said,
“Sharu never misses his practices and he cannot spend a day without practicing. Even at home, he used to hit cricket balls daily for hours. His hard work and love for cricket had been what brought him here. When I took him to watch a cricket match for the first time, I never knew he would be so excited. On our way back to home, he asked me to buy a cricket bat and since then his life totally hinged on cricket.”
Sharu learned the basics of the sport from the renowned coach Nelson Mendis who has also coached many leading Sri Lankan cricketers such as Bandula Warnapura, Lalith Kaluperuma, Roshan Mahanama, Asanka Gurusinghe, Kumar Dharmasena, Hemantha Devapriya, Hashan Thillakarathne, Pubudu Dissanayake and Kusal Perera.
Nelson Mendis shared his thoughts on Sharujan.
“Sharu’s dad admitted him to the cricket academy when he was 6 years old. By then he was widely known as the ‘Little Sangakkara’. Kumar Sangakkara himself was impressed by the batting of Sharujan. Sharu’s cover drive was unique and was a treat to watch. In a recent game against Ananda Shastralaya, Sharu played an exceptional knock which reminded me of Sanga’s batting style. He was only 8 years old when he played his first under-13 match. In that match, he picked up 6 wickets for just 13 runs and it was a clear indication that he is a special talent.”
Several leading companies came forward to sponsor Sharujan, but Shanmuganathan rejected the offers going by the advice of Nelson Mendis. According to Nelson Mendis, it also had a positive impact on Sharu’s performance as he had no added burden and was allowed to play freely.
Sharujan later joined St. Benedict’s College and his school coach Shanaka Fernando was full of praise about the young lad.
“I took charge of the junior cricket team three months ago. Sharujan is very energetic and gives his 100 percent during practices. He is a naturally talented kid. When he is batting he is a carbon copy of Kumar Sangakkara. He has got everything it takes to be a successful cricketer and we would be able to see him in the Sri Lankan jersey one day.”
We managed to get a hold of Sujeeva Priyadharshana, the first coach of Sharujan. Recalling how he first met the young lad he said,
“One of my friends told me about a three year old kid interested in playing cricket and he later introduced Sharujan to me. I asked him to come for the practices and he was very attentive and obedient from the first day itself. He showed signs of a gifted cricketer. He was consistently performing in the club matches and scored his maiden century last week against a good attack.”
Sharu currently plays for St. Benedict’s College, CCC school of cricket and Mutwal Cricket Club teams. Talking about his future plans and the support received from his father,
“First I have to perform well in the school level and then my hope is to get into the national team. My father was always behind me and supported me all the time. He admitted me to Mutwal Cricket Club when I was very young and that changed my life.”
Speaking about his idol Kumar Sangakkara and the resemblance of his batting style to the legendary batsman,
“I am a big fan of Kumar Sangakkara. I used to watch his batting when I was very young and I just loved his flawless batting style. I tried to bat like him and now I’m used to it.”
Sharu has not let the fame or the game come in the way of his studies.
“My school teachers and friends are very helpful and I have never missed my studies because of cricket. My friend Sujan is very supportive and helps me in academic work. Everyone in my school encourages me to do well in cricket.”
Talking about his recent form,
“Currently I play as the number four batsman. I managed to score 23 not out and took two catches in the last game I played for CCC. I won the best fielder award in that match. In the last few games I was consistently scoring 20, 25 runs without getting dismissed. I also scored 38 runs off 18 balls in a recent game.”
We, ThePapare.com, wish the young lad best of luck for the future.
