Nipun Ransika, a pace ace in the making
View(s):The Sunday Times with the widest coverage of sports events always selected the right person to the right place, made Nipun Ransika of P. De S. Kularatne College, Ambalangoda allrounder to be selected the Dialog4G-the Sunday Times Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year 2017. Nipun made Sri Lanka flag to fly high at the recently concluded tri-nation cricket tournament held in South Africa. Participated by Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and host nation South Africa Nipun was the toast of the tournament. Having captured 19 wickets in the tournament Nipun was adjudged the Player of the Tournament.
Nipun Ransika
Sri Lanka met South Africa in the finals and the young Proteas found Nipun unplayable as he held them in a tough corner with his right arm fast medium deliveries. This young lad from the coastal town captured five wickets which guided Sri Lanka to win the championship. In the two matches played earlier in the tournament Nipun won the Man of the Match award in both matches.
A fine allround cricketer an elegant left handed batsman with strokes allround the wicket is a treat to watch when he is in full song. The ability to move the ball both ways off a good length is the secret behind Nipun’s bowling. He is not good only in cricket, a keen advanced level student who never neglect his studies and pays equal interest in both fields. A student who had been highly rated by the staff at P. De S. Kularatne College will be an asset to Sri Lanka in cricket and is sure to occupy a high position in the society.
Nipun’s ability to bowl to a speed of 140kms per hour and his nagging length is under the wings of the Sri Lanka Under-19 bowling coach, the former Sri Lanka ace fast bowler Chaminda Vaas. Nipun was coached by Jayananda Warnaweera in his early days. Nipun hails from a lower middle class family, both his parents are employed in the middle east. Nipun stays with his aunt living in a half completed small house without any facilities. Recognising this great son of the south for his highly talented ability as a cricketer, the Minister of Housing donated Nipun a house worth Rs. 4.5 million.
Jagath Senaratne, the principal and the staff of P. De S. Kularatne College gives their fullest encouragement, support and advice to this highly talented student and cricketer and are confidant that this lad is sure to go a long way in the career as a cricketer and a student. Nipun is sure to be an asset to Sri Lanka cricket and is sure to get the highest recognition in international cricket as an allrounder will have to be well looked after and needs the correct guidance. - LR
