Left-handed batsmen are a treat to watch when they are in full swing. Sri Lanka has produced many brilliant left-handed stroke makers such as Arjuna Ranathunga, Sanath Jayasuriya, Hashan Thillakaratne, Russell Arnold and Kumar Sangakkara in their short history.
Another talented left hander called Danushka Gunathilaka has come up the ranks and has been knocking on the door of the national team recently.
www.thepapare.com caught up with the 23-year old talented batsman before he took wing for the Champions League T20 with the Southern Express team.
How did you start your cricket career?
I started my cricket journey at Mahanama College, Panadura at the tender age of 13, before I got a scholarship to Mahanama College, Colombo and there I played in the age categories of under 15, 17 and 19.
What was your best performance during your school career?
When I was playing in the under 17 team, we reached the finals in the all-island division 1 tournament where we lost to Ananda College in the finals. I won the best all-rounder of the tournament award and I successively won the Man-of-the-Match award in the quarter-final, semi-final and in the final as well.
How was your 1st XI cricket career at Mahanama?
I represented our college 1st XI team for 5 years. I captained my team in the 2009/10 season where we fared really well throughout the season. During my last season, I was unable to play many matches due to under 19 national commitments.
How was the experienced playing for Sri Lanka in the under 19 level?
I had the privilege of playing for my country in the under 19 World cup in 2010 where we reached the semi-final stage. I scored 138 runs in 5 innings with an average of 34.50 and my best knock of 69 came against the hosts, New Zealand. The U- 19 World cup is the best platform for any upcoming player.
How is your club cricket career?
I played my first season at Colombo Cricket Club (CCC) and after that I joined Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC). I have been playing for SSC during the last 4 years. In 2013, I was the SSC under 23 Captain when we won the division 2 championship and I was fortunate to be awarded the Best All-rounder of the tournament as well. We promoted our club back to the top league last year after being demoted in 2012.
I have performed as an all-rounder and up to now I have played 23 first-class matches and have scored close to 1000 runs while I have captured close to 30 wickets as well. My forte in club-cricket has been 50-over cricket where I have scored over 1300+ runs with a good average of 37.50 in little less than 50 matches.
Do you rate yourself as a batsman or as an all-rounder?
I consider my-self as a batting all-rounder. I was a fast-bowler previously before I switched to bowl off-spinners. Currently I bat in the top order as I prefer opening the batting or batting number 3 in one-day matches.
Who is your favourite batsman?
My batting hero is Kumar Sangakkara.
How have you performed playing for the Sri Lanka ‘A’ team?
I have toured 3 times with the Sri Lanka ‘A’ team. My best performances came during the recent tour of England/Ireland where I scored 5 consecutive half-centuries while I stroked a total of 7 half-centuries during the limited-overs tour. I was determined to perform in England as an opener. I have played crucial knocks for the Sri Lanka ‘A’ in T20 games as well when the Kenya national team came down to our country prior to the ICC World T20 in Bangladesh.
Do you think you deserve a place in the Sri Lanka ODI team with the world cup coming up?
I think I will get my chance pretty soon. I was hoping I would get a game against Pakistan last month as I was in a good nick after my consistent performances in England and in the warm-up game in Moratuwa, I scored a half-century as well. All depends on how the selectors look about my form and I respect their decision. I will try and continue to perform as much as possible.
What is your best knock in your whole cricket career?
Well, I scored 152 against Sri Lanka Ports Authority Cricket Club in a first-class match two years back and it is indeed the best innings I have ever played.
What is your daily program like?
Usually we have a running session early in the morning followed by a pool session. We often practice our batting and bowling skills in the afternoon around 3pm. All these practice schedules differ accordingly.
Where do you work?
I work at MAS Holdings. I play mercantile cricket for my company as well.
What are your future plans beyond cricket?
Presently all my attention is on cricket and I have not thought fully on what I would do after my cricket career ends. It’s a long way ahead. I am happy with my job and I hope to do my job at MAS Holdings after the day I hang up my cricket boots.
Finally, any words of gratitude?
I would like to thank my mother and father. They have been there with me from the beginning and I’m very grateful for all their support. I would like to appreciate my coaches when I was a young kid such as Mr.Sajeewa De Silva and Mr. Ananda. My club coach at SSC, Mr. Avishka Gunawardene and our ‘A’ team coach, Mr. Romesh Kaluvitharana have helped me a lot to mature as a player. I would not forget to acknowledge all the coaches who have worked with me in my career, my team mates and all my friends.
ThePapare.com thanks Danushka Gunathilaka for his time and wishes him well.
