Kandurata Warrior’s young Kithruwan a rising star

Part of the Kandurata Warriors team, Kithruwan Vithanage is a young and upcoming player in Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket league. Here are excerpts of an interview with the young star:

Kithuruwan Vithanage

Q: How do you feel about being chosen to participate in the Mahindra Sri Lanka Premier League?

A: It’s an honour to represent my country at this league. In terms of being an international league, I think it’s a good opportunity for the younger players, as they get an opportunity to play alongside some of the legends of world cricket. This is very exciting.

Q: How has the experience of playing alongside foreign players been? What are some of the lessons you have learnt?

A: For myself, in particular, it was a really good learning experience, and I managed to learn a lot of things through and from the foreign players on our team, such as Sohail Tanvir and Saeed Ajmal, and also from the greats of local cricket, such Sanath Jayasuriya and Thilan Samaraweera. The younger players such as myself were able to experience first-hand how they (the foreign players) prepared themselves for the match and how hard they practiced etc.

Q: What was your most exciting moment at the Mahindra Sri Lanka Premier League up to today?

A: The most exciting moment for me, so far, was winning against the Ruhuna Royals at the Pallekelle International Stadium. I was keeping wickets and even managed to catch and strike off Aaron Finch; but becoming the ‘man of the match’ was the highlight of the match.

Q: What do you think of the premier league as a tournament?

A: I think the Mahindra Sri Lanka Premier League is a very good idea. All countries are now playing T20 tournaments; so it’s a good opportunity for us to get onboard with this trend. I would also like to thank the organisers of this tournament.

Q: What advice would you give a young and emerging cricketer like yourself?

A: My advice for younger cricketers will be to set targets for themselves, practice really hard and to never give up! I strongly believe that, to reach your dreams, you have to work hard and earn it.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the next five to 10 years?

A: I hope that I will be able to continue playing for my country, because that is my dream. I want to keep representing Sri Lanka, and bring honour to my country through cricket.