Back on track after hiccup, Perera out to realise potential
HYDERABAD: Thisara Perera started his international career with much promise. He represented Sri Lanka in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup, the event in which the world took note of Virat Kohli’s talent for the first time.
The duo’s careers however followed contrasting paths since then. While the Indian scaled new heights and is considered the rightful heir to India captain MS Dhoni, Perera lost his way, despite showcasing his talent occasionally. CONTEMPLATED MOVE A fallout with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya meant he even contemplated switching loyalties and joining New Zealand. Timely intervention however averted that and Perera decided to hang on.
“Everything has settled down as far as that issue (moving to New Zealand) is concerned. President Mahinda Rajapaksa asked me to stay on and so at present I am concentrating on my career with the national team,” Perera told HT refusing to speak further on the issue.
The bone of contention was being denied permission to play in the lucrative Big Bash League.
The dust over his move to New Zealand having settled down, and Jayasuriya terming Perera an important part of the World Cup squad, the all-rounder’s career seems to be on track.
“I hope I can do something special for my team in this World Cup. These guys (selectors and SLC) have a lot of hope from me and this will also be my second World Cup, so I think it’s time to come true to their expectations,” he said. UNFLATTERING Perera’s career statistics however don’t reflect the potential he possesses and the aggressive batsman knows that. “It’s because of the position I play in. I hardly get time to settle down as at No 8 you need to go for big shots. But now I have understood, it’s necessary to spend time in the middle and it worked for me against Pakistan recently.”
Even Perera’s childhood coach Roger Wijeysuriya, who is the acting spin coach for Sri Lanka for the series, believes his ward should shed some of his aggression. Perera is all ears now.