ThePapare.com caught up with Sri Lanka speedster Nuwan Pradeep who has made an impact in the test bowling plan of the national side. Pradeep has currently played in 9 test matches and scalped 21 wickets bowling at around 140km and is a penetrative prospect for Sri Lanka. Having learnt the tricks of the trade with the softball, Pradeep explains his road towards the top.
How did you begin your cricket career?
I was drawn into playing cricket like any other young kid in Sri Lanka, and that was by playing softball cricket. I then had the opportunity to participate in a bowling tournament organized by Sirasa FM and I was selected to join the fast bowling academy.
What was your road to earning a national cap?
I managed to work hard and make my way into the top tier teams, and I was also absorbed to playing club cricket at Bloomfield. I performed well in the inter-club tournaments and went on to also play for the Sri Lanka ‘A’ team which was the stepping stone for me to the national side where I finally managed to represent my country on the international stage.
What were the challenges when shifting from ‘softball’ to ‘leather ball’ cricket?
There was a huge change playing softball and then shifting to leather ball cricket, the differences were tough to grasp and I had to go through a lot of training. After practicing really hard I managed to master the intricacies of leather ball cricket in about a year or two.
How did you find fielding, especially considering the leather ball?
There was a big difference especially in fielding when compared to softball and leather ball. You need to be very technical and the approach is very different. After I improved my technical side it became much easier to handle.
What if you were told ten years ago that you would represent Sri Lanka Cricket?
I would have thought it was a big joke, but it is probably fate that I found my way to the upper echelons of Cricket in Sri Lanka.
How difficult is it to get into the national cricket team?
It is not impossible to get into the national team, but you need to be extremely committed and being consistent is extremely tough. Representing your country is a very prestigious thing and I value that very much.
How do you see your future in the Sri Lanka team?
I am currently in the Test team, and I want to continue to play well and make my way into the other shorter formats of the game as well.
What is your daily schedule like?
On a usual day, I have a fitness programme in the morning, followed by a gym session which is dedicated to strength and conditioning. After which, I have a net session which is followed by club practices.
What do you think of the current crop of Sri Lankan fast bowlers?
The quality of fast bowlers in Sri Lanka has increased in recent times. There has been a lot of effort been taken that has resulted in the recent good results and since a lot of quality new players have joined the ranks I believe there is a bright future for fast bowlers in Sri Lanka.
What is your most memorable moment/achievement?
Taking a match bag of 7 wickets against New Zealand was a huge achievement for me. Previously my best was 5 wickets against Pakistan which has a strong batting line up and it was difficult getting wickets in those conditions.
Is there anyone who mentored you to becoming the fast bowler you are?
Anusha Samaranayake and Champaka Ramanayake really helped me on my way to becoming a reputed fast bowler, the most important thing was that they had a lot of faith in me to become a good bowler, and helped me in my journey.
