Jeevan Mendis flew out to the West Indies to take part in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League. The discarded all-rounder hopes the brief spell would help him find the missing spark in his cricketing life.
“It’s a good opportunity to go and play in the Caribbean League. It might change my life,” said the 31-year-old southpaw.
Mendis, a hard-hitting late order batsman and a leg spinner, has played in 39 ODIs and 16 Twenty20s for Sri Lanka. His last outing in national colours was in August 2013 when Sri Lanka took on South Africa in a T20 in Colombo. He has scored 468 runs in ODIs at 20.34 and 197 in T20s at 21.88. He also has a haul of 23 and six wickets in both the shorter formats of the game.
Selectors basically wanted Mendis to be a good ‘finisher’ coming late in the order but he could not just fit the bill. Inconsistent performances on his part and the emergence of Thisara Perera as an all rounder spelt trouble for Mendis as he soon lost his place in the team.
“I’ve never given up playing for Sri Lanka. That’s my ultimate goal,” said Mendis who is playing for Barbados Tridents, captained by hard-hitting batsman Kieron Pollard.
Hailing from a cricketing family with his father and brother excelling in the game, young Mendis soon became S. Thomas’ prolific batsman.
Then he made his credentials clear by being the player of the tournament in the Youth World Cup played in New Zealand. He graduated from club and A team cricket to make it to the national team and looked a permanent fixture after the World Cup 2011.
“When I was playing for Sri Lanka I always enjoyed.
I always looked to give my hundred percent. Every player goes through a hard time. I took it as a challenge and I think my bad times are over.”
Mendis said he has some fond memories playing alongside some of the greats of the game.
“Sharing the same dressing room with people like Mahela, Kumar, Dilshan and Malinga was always an honour. They are the greats in the modern game.”
Mendis looks at the opportunity he has got to play in the Caribbean with optimism and feels he can soon have another crack at the top league cricket.
“This is a good opportunity for me to do well and get back into the side. Of course, I’m working hard. I’ve been out of the national side about one year. I think it’s the best year I’ve ever had. It was a life-changing time. I’m a different person now.
I have to thank some people for that. My wife always encourages me. Now I’m strong and know the meaning of life because of the blessings of Jesus Christ. I thank the Lord for showing me the right way,” concluded Mendis.
