Nipun fights Selector’s membership bias with performances
Nipun Karunanayake in Action
What does a budding batsman have to do to catch the eye of a National Selector? Is it the runs he scores or, is it the club he represents? Bloomfield Cricket & Athletics Club Skipper, Nipun Karunanayake, a product of Nalanda, has all the essential ingredients that is required.
A leading batsman in the Premier Division with an aggregate of 926 runs to his credit, with 3 centuries and 4 half-centuries, Nipun lost a golden opportunity to reach the coveted 1,000-run mark this year.
This elegant left-handed batsman stood alone for Bloomfield on so many occasions to pull the side out of trouble, and pilot it to victory. Batting at the vital No.4 spot, he never lost his composure in whatever situation he walks into bat. With only two senior players in the side, Nipun was a tower of strength for the newcomers and guided them to be confident and fearless.
Nipun’s ability as a batsman of repute bears was evident from his centuries scored against clubs in the calibre of NCC, Badureliya and his highest of 183 against Galle. This stylist left-hander’s 4 half-centuries were against top clubs such as Saracens, Tamil Union, SSC and Moors.
Cricketers with lesser achievements and skills have caught the eyes of the Selectors, for the T-20 series Down Under. However, Nipun seems to be orbiting in the National Selectors’ blind spot, despite his noteworthy credentials.