Lasith Malinga, one of the greatest bowlers from Sri Lanka, finally met the young boy who gained attention for his cricket skills while playing with a tennis ball. Malinga showed his interest in ensuring a bright future for the child in cricket as he grows up.
According to Malinga, the first step is to enrol the child in a school where he can play with a leather ball instead of a tennis ball. This will help him improve his playing style while studying in the initial years.
Malinga shared a video on his Facebook account and mentioned that he discussed the plan with the child’s parents. They have decided to send the child to Debarawewa National School, where even Suranga Lakmal played with a leather ball. Malinga believes the child has the potential to do the same.
Malinga declared that the little boy doesn’t bowl like him but possesses an even easier and more beautiful posture. He explained that we have only seen the child’s bowling posture so far, and his cricketing future will depend on his dedication, effort, and physical abilities.
Malinga also requested that people refrain from unnecessary interference with the child’s journey. He expressed concerns that external influences could disrupt the child’s education and sports development.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone who tried to find that little boy on social media. First, let me explain why I shared that video.”
“After watching the video, it reminded me of my own experience playing with tennis balls when I was 8-10 years old. Considering the opportunities I had and the way I played, I thought this young bowler also possesses a natural talent and attitude for bowling.”
“In that video clip, I observed the way he starts bowling, his run-up, the jump before releasing the ball, the landing on his back leg, the follow-through, and the way he directs his head towards the batsman.”
“All these skills he developed while playing tennis without any formal training. Such talent is challenging for any coach to teach. He possesses it naturally. I believe his experience with tennis balls played a crucial role.”
“I still remember how, when we were young and didn’t have a leather ball, we eagerly waited for an opportunity to bowl with the tennis ball we had. We bowled without wearing sandals on any available stone pile or tarmac whenever we got the chance.”
“The ability to possess such skills and adapt to any situation and play anywhere comes from innate talent and experience. I observed this in the young child. In those days, I eagerly awaited my turn to bowl, and I believe this bowler got that opportunity. Someone with a good eye recognized his potential, captured that video clip, and shared it on social media.”
“My perspective on bowlers has changed since my playing days. I sought out this young bowler because I saw something unique in him.”
“I met him. His parents contacted me. Currently, he is not learning to play with a leather ball. I decided that if he wants to play cricket, I will send him to a school where he can play cricket. I have discussed this with his family members. I asked if there is a nearby school where he can play cricket. They mentioned Debarawewa School, where Suranga Lakmal also studied. I asked if it would be possible to send the child there, and his parents agreed.”
“My aim is to send the child to a school where he can play cricket. That is the first step.”
“We still don’t know if he can play with a leather ball. Currently, we only know about his bowling style. He doesn’t bowl like Lasith Malinga. He has his own unique and elegant posture, which is highly valuable in the game of cricket. I believe his bowling style is even better than mine.”
“Let’s observe how he plays cricket in the next 3-5 years. Let’s see if he has the ability to play, to bowl, and if he continues to enjoy the sport. Only then should we judge his skills.”
“Please avoid using the child unnecessarily on social media. He is still a 9-year-old child who needs to focus on his studies. This is a journey that involves education. Sports and education should go hand in hand. People should support him but allow him to have his own journey without unnecessary interference.”
Malinga requested this from the public.
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