The winner of the Observer-Mobitel Most Popular School Cricketer of the Year - 2020, Anuda Jayaweera of Ananda College is keen on playing for the national side and hopes to become a lawyer one day.
The Youth Observer caught up with Anuda to discuss his ambitions.
Q : How did you begin to play cricket?
A: In my childhood I loved cricket very much. Sachin Tendulkar was my favourite cricketer at that time. My father, who saw my liking for cricket, encouraged me to take up the game.
Q : At what age did you begin to play cricket?
A: I started to play cricket when I was around seven. My father took me to the NCC (Nondescripts Cricket Club) and enrolled me in the cricket academy.
Q : How did you start your school cricket journey?
A: While attending practises at the NCC, I got a chance to join our school cricket academy. That is how I began my cricketing career at school. I played in the under-13, under-15 and under-17 teams of the school and performed well. Today, I play for the first XI.
Q : Could you tell us about your other activities in school?
A: A few years ago I also played badminton and took part in swimming too. However, it was too much and I could not concentrate on all the games. So I reluctantly gave up badminton and swimming.
Q: We heard that you passed Ordinary Level examination with flying colours?
A: Yes. I obtained seven, A passes. I am now studying in the Advanced Level class.
Q : What are your subjects?
A: I have chosen to do Economics, French and IT. I hope to become a lawyer one day and these subjects will help to achieve my ambition.
Q : Why did you choose French?
A: It has a higher Z score and it will help me to reach my A/L ambitions too.
Q : Could you explain that?
A: If I get a high Z score it will help me to enter the Law Faculty. I think French is one of the subjects that will help me achieve that task.
Q : Don’t you think that your educational ambitions will be a setback to your cricket career?
A: No. I think I can balance the two. Cricket is not a barrier to my educational goals. Giving up my other two sports activities has enabled me to concentrate on studies and cricket.
Q : Are you keen to become a national player?
A: Of course. That is my ambition in life. I like to become a lawyer and a national cricketer too and I am working hard to achieve that dream.
Q : Isn’t it true that when you are involved with cricket practises, there is no time for other activities? What have you to say about it?
A: Wrong. If you want to achieve your goals in life you have to create a path. I do it. When I have to attend cricket practises I go to bed early and get up at around 12.30 a.m.
Then I study for one and half hours and got to sleep again. I get up again at around 5.30 a.m. study for 30 minutes and then go to school. That is one of my methods to achieve my goals.
Q : We heard that you are a member of several societies in school?
A: Yes. I enjoy taking part in the work of these societies. I am the secretary of the communication society and a member of several other organisations. That is a valuable opportunity to expand my skills. I love the challenges it offers me.
Q : Now let me come to your batting style. Do you follow Sachin Tendulkar’s batting style?
A: No, I do not follow it as it is very complicated. But I have loved his batting talent since my childhood. I like Virat Kholi’s action. He is a marvelous player. I admire his skills.
Q : But isn’t he a very aggressive player?
A: Of course he is. A player must be aggressive. Otherwise he will not be able to concentrate on the game. Kholi is aggressive and very smart.
Q : What type of cricket do you enjoy?
A: I think Test cricket is most suitable for me. However, I also like one-day cricket.
Q : Don’t you like T20 cricket?
A: I like it. But T20 is not suitable for my style.
Q : Who are the people who have influenced you in cricket and studies?
A: My father and mother.
My mother guided me in my studies and my father helps me in my cricketing life. That is the secret of my success.
Q : One final question. What are your feelings as a youth and how do you balance your life with your parents, friends and society in general?
A: It is very easy for me. When playing cricketing I never think about anything else. When I am with my parents I never talk to friends or anyone else.
I have a policy. One must a strategy to achieve goals.