From the phenomenal icon Kumar Sangakkara to the current national stars Niroshan Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal, wicket-keeper batsmen are some of finest talents in the national cricket arena.
Ruvindu Gunasekara, chasing a childhood dream
Ruvindu Gunasekara is no stranger to the International cricket arena having represented Canada in 19 ODIs and 8 T20Is.
An upcoming talent, who would hope to follow in their footsteps, is Leo Fransisco, a primary product of Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala where the current spin wizard, Rangana Herath started his journey. The young man at present is a shining prospect of the Army Sports Club in the SLC Premier League ‘Tier A’ Tournament 2016/17 competition.
In an exclusive interview with ThePapare.com, Leo shared a bit of his past and present in respect to cricket as he aspires to follow the footsteps of some of the greats to take up the sport in the Island nation.
Who inspired you to take up cricket? Who was your role-model/Idol?
“Cricket was my passion since childhood I took up the sport on my own. Initially I went out for practices with both my older brothers and it soon become a way of life for me” speaking further about his role models “I look up to Upul Tharanga a lot as a left handed batsman. As a wicket-keeper batsman I admire Adam Gilchrist as a charismatic and explosive batsman”
Being a left handed wicket-keeper batsman himself, Leo has made a bright start to this season with an elegant century against Ragama CC last week. Having recently captained the U23 Army team to the T20 title and runners up in the ODI format, it is fair to conclude that success has winded Leo’s sails and has resulted in this recent batting prowess.
Leo Fransisco is no stranger in a leadership role, when asked about his past experiences with his Alma Mater he expressed his views,
“I captained throughout the junior ranks starting from U13 to U17 and I was the deputy in my first eleven outfit during the latter stages of my school career. I have been the skipper of the Wayamba U15 set up while I captained the national team in the same age category during the tour of Malaysia”.
Leo has been honoured for his exploits as a leader during his young age as he was the runner up in the U17 age category for the Best Captain award.
Having played for one of the heavyweights Tamil Union C&AC during his early years, Leo was asked what prompted him to move away from the reigning domestic champions.
“Well we (Tamil Union C&AC) emerged as the U20 champions that year. However due to the caliber of players presently at the club and the lack of playing time I considered a move once Kurunegala CC offered me an opportunity. Later due to my performances Army SC stepped forward to provide me with an opportunity to play for their ranks and it was yet another prosperous move in respect to my career”.
Despite the immense success many young men experience during their blossoming as they move into the domestic arena, it is understood that many falter and fade away during this crucial transition in their career. When about his personal experience regarding this hurdle Leo mentioned,
“The standard in the domestic structure is quite different and advanced compared to the schools level, hence a swift transition is required individually. Unless you adapt early and reassess yourself as a player it is very hard for you to survive in this league for long”
As with every young cricketer, the hope is to reach the eventual destination, a call up to the national set up. Leo dreams no differently, as some day he sees himself wearing the coveted Lion crest on his chest. Expressing his views on it Leo said,
“To be honest I haven’t thought that far, but someday I would want to be playing at the highest level but as of now I want to concentrate on the current season and keep my performance at the level it is at the moment. We have a good blend of young talent and experience in our ranks in the Army squad and we want to capitalise on it and utilise it to gain the best results”
With two elegant centuries in the bag as early as the season stands, it is fair to deduce that Leo has set off on the right foot this season. With his impressive glove work and stylish batting, Leo will certainly be a player to look out for in this year’s Premier Tier A competition and no doubt a prospect to be seen in the National colours.
