Dialog-ST 2019: Schoolboy Cricketer 2018 award was a Game Changer, says Kamindu Mendis

Kamindu Mendis--the winner of Dialog 4G-the Sunday Times Schoolboy Cricketer 2018 has stepped into the big league, having represented Sri Lanka in limited over cricket during the last 12 months. 

Possessed of an unique ability to bowl with both hands with the same accuracy, Mendis was Sri Lanka’s Under-19 skipper when he won the prestigious award presented by--Dialog 4G and the Sunday Times recognizing his excellent performance during the year and the potentials he had to graduate to the big league.   

Just a few weeks after he clinched the coveted title, Mendis made his international debut in T20 cricket against England last year. 

He was then handed his ODI debut against South Africa early this year. 

He has, since featured in four T20Is and two ODI matches and has been a regular in Sri Lanka Emerging and 'A' teams. 

“It was a huge honour and big stepping stone for my cricketing future,” said Mendis recalling his moment of glory at the 2018 Dialog-the Sunday Times Schoolboy Cricketer award ceremony. 

“Soon after being crowned, I was selected to play in the Super Provincial Tournament. I did well in that tournament and was soon called up for national duty.” 

The Dialog 4G-the Sunday Times award ceremony opens a window for schoolboy cricketers to become national stars. 

Every schoolboy should aim to play the game to the best of his ability and maintain the true spirit of the game. 

On and off the field relations are very vital for a schoolboy cricketer. 

His dedication and sacrifice to the game paid rich dividends to as he was Schoolboy Cricketer of 2018, and his advice to the present day schoolboy cricketer is to focus on the game to give your best. 

This will lay the foundation to be a future National player.