Enter Major Chandimal
One time, the most prolific player in the Sri Lankan outfit, now exploring for new avenues - File pic
It is inconceivable that a batsman who has a First Class average of 45.80 and a Test average of 41.46 continues on the scrap-heap when some players whose averages don’t resemble his have been given the nod.
The batsman in question is Dinesh Chandimal, a vital cog in the NCC wheel. Chandimal will long be remembered for two brilliant knocks. His 164 against India at New Delhi was full of audacious stroke play. Aggression was the keynote as he scattered the poise of the Indian attack.
His other memorable knock was an innings of 111 at the Mecca of Cricket. In tandem with the canny Angelo Mathews, who at one stage was milking the bowling when more direct methods were called for, Chandimal took it upon himself to up the ante and take Sri Lanka to a famous victory.
The Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC), for which he turns out, attracts plenty of high-profile youngsters. Yet, Chandimal’s inclusion in the team was a given. Whey then has he decided to up and leave, and throw in his lot with the Army Sports Club. He says his priority is to develop Army Cricket. First approached some six months ago by a colleague in the national team, (another Southerner) Seekkuge Prasanna, Chandimal took his time in deciding.
Brigadier Shiran Abeysekera followed it up later and almost talked him into accepting. The die was cast. Says Chandimal: “Leaving NCC was a tough decision. I wanted to help the Army. I also desired a change in life.”
Having discussed the Army’s offer with his family, he decided to throw in his lot with them. He says “I thought it as a good opportunity. I have always put country before self.”
Chandimal joins as a Commissioned Officer, with the rank of Major. Based in Panagoda, he will undergo a three-week military training at Diyatalawa. Courses in shooting and leadership are also lined up.
The Army authorities are keen on developing the Army team to be one of the best in the country, on par with the SSC and the NCC. They were keen on obtaining the former Sri Lanka captain’s expertise in grooming young players.
The Army has around 350 cricketers (men and women) at their disposal. They are systematic and methodical, in that they conduct an Inter-Regiment Tournament every year, before choosing a squad of around 90 for the various teams.
The Army has in their ranks Sri Lanka players such as Seekkuge Prasanna and Asela Gunaratne. There is also a very promising player – Dushan Vimukthi – who is already an Emerging Team player. No doubt some of the Army players can feed off the experience of a player who has played 53 Tests and 146 ODIs. This is also a little matter of 7,367 runs scored in the two formats.
Regarding his continued omission, Chandimal feels that is something he can’t control.
“I have to keep performing until I get a chance.”
Chandimal refused to be drawn into commenting on whether a colourful, controversial short-format player had a hand in his axing. Whatever, the pros and cons, Chandimal should have been selected for the 2019 World Cup. Instead, what we had, were a couple of half-backed all-rounders, one of whom was in his cricketing dotage. Had Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella been in the team, Sri Lanka’s batting would surely have got a lift.
In conclusion, Dinesh Chandimal, one of Sri Lanka’s much-loved cricketers, wishes to thank Major General Mahesh Senanayake, his successor Major General Shavendra Silva and Brigadier Shiran Abeysekera for their encouragement.