Kalu fears Lanka running out of talent

[Mr-Cricket]

Kalu fears Lanka running out of talent

Former Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Romesh Kaluwitharana fears his country is heading for a cricket talent drought and has called for developing a strong second string team.

Kalu's observation comes soon after similar apprehensions were expressed by former captain Arjuna Ranatunga. "There could be a possible scarcity of players in the next three or four years after players like Chaminda Vaas and Muralitharan retire", the 37-year-old, a member of the 1996 World Cup winning team, said.

Kaluwitharan and Sanath Jayasuriya, now retired from Test cricket, had formed one of the most feared opening pairs in one-day internationals.
"The team needs a second string which could win games", he said yesterday.

Kaluwithara played 49 Tests, scoring 1,933 runs averaging over 26 with three centuries. He also represented Sri Lanka in 189 one-day internationals, scoring 3,711 runs at an average of 22.

He was also an able stumper, claiming a combined total of 225 catches and 101 stumpings for Sri Lanka.

http://sports.indiainfo.com/2007/12/11/0712111146_sport_kaluwitharana.html

 

[Fekliopas]

Re: Kalu fears Lanka running out of talent

In my opinion, this is due to a unhealthy system that players, youngsters have no confidence about. Their road to national duty or for a higher pedestrian is not clearly and fairly set and hence there is no real motivation to go for it with enthusiasm in the field of cricket, coz our selection system is corrupt and unfair.

I would prefer Kalu and others like Arjuna, Aravinda trying to build a case by their strong accepted voices, against unfair practices. ir atleast say who whould be getting a chance, so that selectors will also be a little bit more mindful than what they are now. Obviously the biggest case is the continuos corruption surrounding the continuos favoratism on Mubarak.

I am not saying all is related to above, even things like infrastructure, good coaching in schools, competitive environment etc also needs to improve.

 

[Mr-Cricket]

Re: Kalu fears Lanka running out of talent

The lack of talent is not merely due to the lack of a path. Come on now, Fekliopas, not everything can be blamed on what occurs at the top of the game in terms of politics.

The lack of talent has to do with a global trend on one level. If you ask anyone, in any sport, they will say the younger generation are lazy. Look at the West Indies. I never ever imagined that Sri Lanka would wop 'em. If not for Brian Lara, Sri Lanka would have walked all over them on tour. Look at England they have been weak for so long, and if not for the stronger management and the importation of key players, they would be weaker.

The other factor that is particular to cricket is SODI. This game's effect on a small country is not good. A small country has a small pool of players with the extra special ability to begin with. So, when that pool is infected with the idea that cricket must be played like Sanath Aiya, then we lose. On the other hand, in a country with a large population SODI has the effect of spreading the game more widely and so more talent is unearthed, particulalry of the sort that like to be aggressive, as suddenly it is not wrestling that is interesing but bashing the ball and bowling hard. In the coming years, Bangladesh will over haul Sri Lanka. The game has deepened in the country and SODI has brought in new talent.

The factors about managing the game of Test cricket only matter in the above context. With a weak management structure, the pressure is always to make money for the hangers on. So, the sructure of SODI become more present, and people would even try to down play test cricket. I suspect two SODI will make more money than a five-day game of tension.

Managing the game properly is crucial in a small country. It means prioritising the tests and reserving for it the best young talent. That is the first step among many.

 

[Fekliopas]

Re: Kalu fears Lanka running out of talent

Sri Lankan cricket is not as bad as it's said to be and neither is the talent that is available, It just hasent been harnessed and not given a fair goal to look at.

I would put it this way:

If there is a company that really profitable and pays the top employees(selected few) very well and has established a name for having an unethical way of promoting people and favoring top people, do you think the junior staff or the real aspirants will stay on with the company. Most good employees or potential top runners will seek elsewhere even if they have joined this place as the first job.

I am not saying that the only problem lies with the selection mess and the unfair system. What I am saying is, that is contributing a hell of a lot to the frustration of the aspiring cricketers , who lose their interest later on coz they would want to pursue a profession career other than cricket for income, coz they don't have a real fair chance to rise to the top.

there can be a dearth of talent, but its not as bad as its told to be. People like Ian Daniels, Paranavithana, Serams, Wijekone's, Warnapura's, Kapugedara's, Kaushal's are all talent. But their level of frustration must be very very high.

These people are not being looked after well and naturally there focus will be on looking for a better career. Not the likes of Kaushal and Kapu yet coz they are still early into professional cricket. But to make a real living the other lot must be surely looking at better options than playing domestic cricket forever.