On December 4th, 2020, a teenager a few days shy of his 19th birthday is up against Angelo Mathews, the last man standing from Sri Lanka’s golden generation. On his debut, the teenager bravely tosses the ball up in the air. Not requiring a second invitation, Mathews attempts to clear the long-off boundary. However, the ball hits the edge of the bat and lands safely in the hands of the long-off fielder. The youngster is elated, and so too are his team and supporters.
On December 4th, 2020, a teenager a few days shy of his 19th birthday is up against Angelo Mathews, the last man standing from Sri Lanka’s golden generation. On his debut, the teenager bravely tosses the ball up in the air. Not requiring a second invitation, Mathews attempts to clear the long-off boundary. However, the ball hits the edge of the bat and lands safely in the hands of the long-off fielder. The youngster is elated, and so too are his team and supporters.
Fast forward to February 17th, 2024; three years later, the youngster is at it again. This time, however, he’s not in an empty Hambantota but in the bustling Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Representing MI Emirates, a subsidiary of one of the world’s most powerful and dominant cricket franchises, he showcases his talent. Delivering an economical performance and featuring among the wicket-takers, he stands out even amidst a galaxy of stars, winning the ‘Dressing Room Player of the Match’ award. Remarkably, this isn’t his first, but his third such recognition within a week. This isn’t just the Jaffna Kings; it’s a conclave of global superstars. What an incredible journey it has been for him.
You might think the youngster has truly made his mark, but has he really? In the world of cricket, where players like Natarajans and Shamar Josephs rise to the top within months, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth’s journey may seem painstakingly slow. Perhaps it is, especially since he hasn’t yet made a significant impact in the domestic circuit. This can be frustrating, but in reality, it might be the best thing for him. Viyas is seen as the boy who broke the invisible barrier preventing players from outside major cities from playing for Sri Lanka. He rose to prominence on merit, thanks to a considerate franchise, the Jaffna Stallions, known for their passion and long-term commitment to nurturing talent. He became a symbol of hope, not just for the Stallions but for all of Sri Lanka’s remote regions. It’s natural to expect such a beacon of hope to quickly ascend to national colours and complete a success story. However, Viyas’s gradual progress could be more beneficial for him and the country in the long run. Doubt this approach? Then, consider the case of Yasaswi Jaiswal, India’s newest sensation. His journey, marked by a grind through Ranji Trophy games and dominance there, shaped him into the player he is today.
With expectations soaring, pressure will engulf Viyas. He has set his own benchmark now. Technically, he is some distance away from being a fully developed player. However, every single time he has reappeared on the biggest stage, he has shown tremendous improvement.
Till a few days ago, Viyas’s signature was his inspirational story. But after his showing at the ILT20, it’s his skill. He will not celebrated for the journey he has come but will be gauged on the competence he displays. The mere fact that MI Emirates backed him to be part of their lineup for the final is proof of the same.
The journey will become tougher, competition will decode him and try to flatten him, mouths that praise will criticise, expectations will transform into pressure, and narratives will become different. As anyone who has travelled the journey will testify, it will be a whole new game. Would Viyas sustain himself?
All signs indicate that he surely will succeed. Despite the adulation and exposure on the biggest stage, Viyas appears to remain grounded. How he continues to maintain this composure will be crucial in deciding his fate. For the sake of many who dream of following in his footsteps, we should hope and pray that he continues to forge a path for others to emulate, reaching ever higher. For now, the signs are good.
As fans, it might be tempting to see him in national colours soon. But as Mahela mentioned in the post-match interview following the ILT20 final, it’s time for Viyas to prove his prowess on the domestic circuit. Luckily for Viyas, unlike many in the past, he has found himself in the right places at the right times, and with exposure to the Mumbai Indians, it’s hard to miss the eyeballs if he keeps improving as he has been. His showing on the biggest franchise stages will surely pave the way for the ultimate destination. While he will surely have to break the door open to get selected for the national team, the good news is he has the most advanced tools through franchise cricket to do so. His time will surely come; until then, let’s enjoy his journey and allow him to enjoy the journey without putting on unwanted pressure.
Go well, Viyas. You are an inspiration, but you should be much, much more than that, and hopefully, you will be!
I am Aliakbar Sansajan (born April 10, 1993). I have successfully completed the level I coaching course in 2020. & HDP in Physical Education and Sports Science at UOJ.
I’m a dedicated and experienced level I cricket head coach at the NBCM Academy for developing players skills, fostering teamwork, and achieving outstanding performance. Presently, I’m a Jaffna District Cricket Captain in 2024. I have been working as an assistant coach at Jaffna Stallions since May 2024, April 16.
I am a passionate and hardworking youngster looking to augment my knowledge and skills in sports and guide future generations to become great sportsmen and good citizens.
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