Kamindu Mendis sends strong message with all-round excellence

There is something special about those from the south. Apart from being able to hang in there no matter how desperate the situation is, they are also able to think out of the box. Richmond College, Galle has produced some rare talents in recent years while going onto dominate school cricket.

Their former skipper Kamindu Mendis is one of those special talents. Kamindu is ambidextrous. In an over, he’s able to bowl off-spin and then without any fuss he is able to switch to bowl left-arm orthodox spin. The world has marveled his skill, despite that he’s got little opportunities.

Apart from the variations, he’s also got superb control which makes him a rare commodity in shorter formats of the game.

Kamindu can also bat. He’s the highest run getter in the ongoing SLC Invitational T20 having posted three half-centuries in three games. Into the bargain, he’s an excellent fielder. Add to that his leadership qualities. Now that should make him a must in the side.

That’s not all. He’s got through all the fitness regimes with flying colours.  He’s also a superb role model and should have been a must as the selectors were trying to rebuild the side.

Instead, the selectors have been groping in the dark, fitting in misfits on a system that’s fast crumbling.

Kamindu has been earmarked as a future prospect for some time now. Once you identify such talents, they should be persevered with. Talent is definitely not short. But the proper ones have not been groomed.

Kamindu represented Sri Lanka Under-19 shortly after turning 16. Then he went onto captain the side in the Under-19 World Cup. Anyone who plays in two Youth World Cups has got to be a special talent.

Ashantha de Mel wanted him in the squad when he was Chairman of Selectors but soon after he was replaced, Kamindu lost his place, overlooked during the recent series against Bangladesh, England and India.

With special talents, you need to give them the long rope to find their feet. That’s how Arjuna Ranatunga groomed the likes of Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan and many others. Sadly, young players don’t find that backing nowadays.

However, now that Kamindu has fired, he should be an automatic selection against the Proteas. There is no guarantee he will come good. But with special players you need to show patience. That was the Ranatunga way. A way that worked for Sri Lanka. Hopefully, the selectors will take a leaf out of Arjuna’s book.

Despite, Kamindu’s excellent performance, SLC Greens have failed to fire so far having lost three games in a row. They will take on SLC Greys today at Pallekele in a must win game.