Keshan - promising all rounder

Observer Mobitel Most Popular Outstation Schoolboy Cricketer:

Chris DHAMBARAGE

He launched his career in Ampara, grew up in Gampola, matured in Colombo, and eventually blossomed out to become a promising all rounder from the hill capital in Kandy.

Nineteen year old Keshan Maheesha Gamege of Vidyartha College has overcome all obstacles and challenges to reach the summit in the schools cricket scene becoming the Observer Mobitel Most Popular Outstation Schoolboy Cricketer for 2011. There is no other schoolboy cricketer perhaps who has travelled so much with his cricketing gear representing four schools and having come under the supervision of many top coaches in the country.

He was faced with the daunting task of travelling throughout the country and moving from one school to another mainly due to the official commitments of his beloved parents.

However despite the many inconveniences and the tough situations both on and off the field he always kept his focus on the game and concentrated on improving his overall skills and performances.

This was quite a challenge for a young schoolboy who had always thought of becoming a top allrounder and to represent the country in the future. He has certainly set the stage towards fulfilling his dreams with a splendid performance in the concluded inter school cricket season.

Even then he was always under pressure as the expectations were more on him this year being a top order batsman and a versatile leg spinner. His task became even more difficult following a severe back injury and cramps that hampered his performances to a certain extent.

As a result of the injuries Keshan Gamage was not able to produce his one hundred percent and also missed out a couple of outings this season. The biggest disappointment was when he was run out in the annual one day fixture against the traditional rivals St. Sylvester's College recently.

Gamage was well set to spearhead his team to victory when he was stranded in the middle with severe cramps as Vidyartha lost the game by a close margin. Nevertheless he was rewarded for his commitment and was named as the Best Batsman.

The right hander was able to show his prowess with the bat when he hammered a career best 110 against St. Mary's College Kegalle at the Police ground in Kandy. This was something special because he walked into the middle at a critical stage when his team had lost a couple of early wickets.

Gamage of course had batted in the lower order when he first joined Vidyartha College soon after he had completed his Ordinary Level examination successfully at St. John's College Nugegoda.

His first year in Kandy was a real learning experience as he matured to become a solid middle order batsman with some of the other senior players in the team. After having started at number eight he was promoted to open the batting which clearly proved his talent and potential.

However as he made steady progress with the side he dropped to number four in the batting order a place in which he has held on for quite some time through a series of good contributions with the willow.

Gamage of course launched his career at the backdrop of some uncertainty where he was fond of many sports including football and badminton. But with his parents support he decided to attend cricket practices at D. S. Senanayake College in Ampara.

It turned out to be a wise move eventually as he was able to tour India with the Ampara District Cricket Academy team at the age of 13 years. But as he was growing in stature he was forced to move towards Colombo because of his parents official duties. Gamage then joined St. John's College Nugegoda and made his presence felt almost immediately when he captured a total of 28 wickets from six matches in the inter school under 15 tournament.

He was considered more as a leg spinner in the team and as a result he could not really prove himself with the bat. But once he entered into the under 17 side he was able to take over the main role and shine as an all rounder. When he was about to establish himself in the First Eleven team at St. John's College he was once again forced to pack up his bags and move towards Kandy where he joined Vidyartha College for his Advanced Levels.

Despite these challenges Gamage has also kept his focus on his studies and is determined to shine at the upcoming Advanced Level Examination.

He has always ensured that cricket and studies would go hand in hand which is a vital aspect for a successful career.

He is thankful to the Principals of Vidyartha College, St. John's College, D. S. Senanayake College, Kavantissa MV Ampara, coaches and the Oldboys Associations for their fullest support in helping him to achieve an important milestone in his cricketing career.